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10 Best Ceramic Brake Pads 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Power Stop Z36-1680 Front Z36 Truck & Tow Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads For 2013-2022 Ford F-250 F-350 | 2013-2016 F-450 Super Duty 8 Lug

The Power Stop Z36-1680 front brake pads are designed specifically for heavy-duty trucks such as the Ford F-250, F-350, and F-450 Super Duty models from 2013 to 2022. These pads are made from a carbon-fiber ceramic material, which offers excellent durability and performance, especially for those who frequently tow or haul heavy loads. The high friction coefficient ensures superior stopping power, which is crucial for enhancing safety under load-bearing conditions.

Additionally, these pads are designed to minimize noise and vibration, thanks to the premium stainless-steel shims that improve heat dissipation and virtually eliminate brake noise. Installation is straightforward with the included stainless-steel hardware, making it hassle-free even for those who may not be highly experienced in vehicle maintenance.

However, while the ceramic composition helps reduce dust production compared to traditional brake pads, some users may still notice a moderate level of brake dust on their wheels. Furthermore, these pads are specifically tailored for certain Ford models, so compatibility with other vehicles may be limited. The Power Stop Z36-1680 brake pads are an excellent choice for truck owners who need reliable and powerful braking performance, especially when hauling heavy loads or driving off-road, but potential buyers should ensure compatibility with their vehicle before purchase.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Noise and Vibration
These brake pads produce very little dust and significantly reduce the chance of squeaking.
Dust Production
These brake pads produce very little dust and significantly reduce the chance of squeaking.
#2

Power Stop 16-905 Z16 Evolution Rear Ceramic Brake Pads For Infiniti EX35 FX35 G35 G37 M35 M37 M45 M56 Q50 Q60 Q70 QX60 QX70 Nissan 350Z 370Z Altima Juke Maxima Murano Pathfinder Quest Sentra

The Power Stop 16-905 Z16 Evolution Rear Ceramic Brake Pads offer several benefits that are ideal for both cars and SUVs. These brake pads are made from a ceramic material, which is known for producing less dust, keeping your wheels clean. This specific feature is highlighted by the manufacturer, making it an attractive option for those who prioritize minimal maintenance and cleaner wheels. The thermal scorched surfaces of these pads ensure a quick break-in period, which can be a significant advantage for drivers looking for immediate performance improvements.

Additionally, the chamfered and slotted design helps to minimize noise and vibration, providing a quiet and smooth braking experience similar to original equipment (OE) pads but with enhanced performance. They are also designed for shorter break-in times, which means you can expect them to outperform many standard OE pads right from the start.

These ceramic brake pads are a strong contender for those looking to maintain cleaner wheels, enjoy quieter braking, and achieve a fast break-in, provided their vehicle is compatible.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Noise and Vibration
Perfect fit with no noise and good quality.
Dust Production
Little to no brake dust and very quiet.
#3

Akebono-ACT1212A Ultra-Premium Ceramic Rear Disc Brake Pads

The Akebono-ACT1212A Ultra-Premium Ceramic Rear Disc Brake Pads are a solid choice for those looking to upgrade their vehicle's braking performance. As a product from the world's largest ceramic brake pad manufacturer, they bring more than 80 years of expertise to the table. One of their standout features is ultra-low dust production, which ensures cleaner wheels and tires, a big plus for maintenance.

They promise increased pad and rotor life, which can save you money in the long run by reducing the frequency of replacements. Additionally, the pads are designed to control noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) effectively, making for a smoother, quieter ride. On the technical side, these pads meet OEM specifications and are specifically designed for rear placement on cars. They offer excellent heat dissipation, which is crucial for maintaining performance during heavy braking.

It is worth noting that despite their many advantages, they may not be the top choice for high-performance or racing vehicles that demand extremely high friction coefficients. The Akebono-ACT1212A pads are ideal for everyday driving, providing reliable performance, durability, and cleanliness.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Noise and Vibration
Smooth, powerful braking with total silence after initial use.

Buying Guide for the Best Ceramic Brake Pads

Ceramic brake pads are a popular choice for many drivers due to their durability, performance, and low noise levels. When selecting the right ceramic brake pads for your vehicle, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your driving needs. Understanding these specifications will help you make an informed decision and enhance your vehicle's braking performance.
Material CompositionCeramic brake pads are made from a mixture of ceramic fibers, nonferrous filler materials, bonding agents, and sometimes small amounts of metal. This composition is important because it affects the pad's durability, heat resistance, and noise levels. Higher quality materials generally offer better performance and longer lifespan. If you drive in demanding conditions, such as frequent stop-and-go traffic or mountainous areas, look for pads with a high-quality ceramic composition.
Friction CoefficientThe friction coefficient measures the brake pad's ability to generate stopping power. It is crucial because it directly impacts your vehicle's braking performance. Friction coefficients are typically categorized as low, medium, or high. Low friction pads are suitable for light, everyday driving, medium friction pads are ideal for a mix of city and highway driving, and high friction pads are best for performance or heavy-duty applications. Choose a friction coefficient that matches your driving style and conditions.
Noise and VibrationCeramic brake pads are known for their quiet operation, but some may still produce noise or vibrations. This specification is important for comfort and overall driving experience. Noise levels can be influenced by the pad's design and the presence of features like chamfers and slots. If you prioritize a quiet ride, look for pads specifically designed to minimize noise and vibration.
Dust ProductionBrake dust can accumulate on your wheels and affect their appearance. Ceramic brake pads typically produce less dust compared to other types, which is a significant advantage for maintaining clean wheels. If you prefer low-maintenance and cleaner wheels, opt for ceramic pads with low dust production.
Heat DissipationEffective heat dissipation is crucial for maintaining braking performance and preventing brake fade, especially during prolonged or aggressive braking. Ceramic brake pads generally offer good heat dissipation, but some may perform better than others. If you frequently drive in conditions that generate a lot of heat, such as towing or spirited driving, choose pads with excellent heat dissipation properties.
CompatibilityNot all brake pads are compatible with every vehicle. It's essential to ensure that the ceramic brake pads you choose are designed to fit your specific make and model. Compatibility affects installation ease and overall performance. Always check the manufacturer's specifications and recommendations to ensure a proper fit for your vehicle.

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