Brake pads are one of the most important wear items on any vehicle, and also one of the easiest to get wrong. The right pad depends on your vehicle, how you drive, and what you tow or carry. Here is a practical way to choose.

1. Start with the right fit

Pads are built for specific vehicles and axles – front and rear are often different. Use our Vehicle Finder to pick your vehicle, and check the part number and any fitment notes on the product page before ordering.

2. Know the main pad types

• Ceramic – quiet, low dust and long life. A great all-rounder for daily driving.
• Semi-metallic – strong bite and heat tolerance, popular for towing, heavier vehicles and spirited driving. Can be a little noisier and dustier.
• Low-metallic / organic – gentle on rotors and typically budget-friendly, with more dust and a shorter life.

3. Match the pad to how you drive

City commuters usually prefer quiet, clean-running ceramic pads. If you tow a caravan, carry heavy loads or drive a 4×4, look for compounds designed for higher temperatures and sustained braking.

4. Replace the supporting parts

Fresh pads work best on a good surface. Check your discs for deep grooves, a lip at the outer edge or warping, and replace them in pairs if they are worn. New hardware kits, sensors and quality brake fluid are inexpensive ways to keep a brake job lasting. Browse brake pads, discs & rotors and brake fluid.

5. Do not skip the bedding-in

Follow the manufacturer’s bedding-in procedure for new pads and discs. It transfers an even layer of pad material to the disc and avoids vibration and noise later.

Safety first

Brakes are a safety-critical system. If you are not confident fitting parts yourself, have a qualified mechanic do the work, and never drive a vehicle with a soft pedal, grinding noises or a brake warning light.