What are the different types of brake pads?

There are three main types: Organic (NAO) pads are quietest and cheapest (£15-£35/axle) but wear faster. Semi-metallic pads offer the best balance of performance and durability (£25-£55/axle). Ceramic pads last longest, produce least dust, and run quietly (£40-£95/axle) but cost more.

When should I replace my brake pads?

Most brake pads last 25,000-60,000 miles. Replace them when you hear squealing or grinding, the car pulls to one side when braking, the pedal feels soft, or a warning light appears. The legal minimum thickness is 1.5mm but mechanics recommend replacing at 3mm.

Should I replace brake discs at the same time as pads?

Not always. Brake discs typically last 2-3 sets of pads. Replace them if there is a visible lip around the edge, deep score marks, or the thickness is below the minimum stamped on the disc. Fitting new pads on worn discs reduces performance.

What are the best brake pad brands in the UK?

Premium brands include Brembo, EBC, and Ferodo Racing. OEM-quality brands include TRW, Bosch, and Delphi. Mid-range options like Mintex and Pagid offer good value. Budget brands meet minimum standards but may wear faster.

How to Choose the Right Brake Pads

Last updated: February 2026 · 6 min read

Brake pads are one of the most commonly replaced car parts in the UK, and choosing the right ones can make a real difference to your stopping distance, noise levels, and how often you need to replace them. This guide explains the different types, when to replace them, and how to get the best value.

The Three Types of Brake Pad

Most brake pads sold in the UK fall into three categories. Each uses a different friction material, which affects performance, noise, dust production, and price. Understanding these differences is the single most useful thing you can do before buying.

Organic (NAO) Brake Pads

Made from a mixture of fibres like glass, rubber, carbon, and Kevlar bound together with resin. These are the quietest and gentlest on your brake discs, producing the least dust. They're ideal for everyday city driving where you rarely need to brake hard. However, they wear faster than other types and don't perform as well under heavy braking or high temperatures. Most budget brake pads are organic.

Typical UK price: £15–£35 per axle

Semi-Metallic Brake Pads

Contain 30–70% metal (usually copper, iron, or steel wool) mixed with friction modifiers. These are the most common type fitted as OEM parts by manufacturers. They offer a good balance of performance and durability, work well across a wide temperature range, and last longer than organic pads. The trade-off is slightly more brake dust and noise. Most mid-range brands like Mintex, TRW, and Pagid produce semi-metallic pads.

Typical UK price: £25–£55 per axle

Ceramic Brake Pads

Made from ceramic fibres, bonding agents, and sometimes small amounts of copper. Ceramic pads produce the least dust (and the dust they do produce is light-coloured, so it doesn't stain alloy wheels), run very quietly, and last significantly longer than other types. They're the premium choice — brands like Brembo, EBC Redstuff, and Ferodo Premier offer ceramic options. The downside is price, and they can be slightly less effective in very cold conditions until they warm up.

Typical UK price: £40–£95 per axle

When to Replace Your Brake Pads

Most brake pads last between 25,000 and 60,000 miles, depending on the type of pad, your driving style, and whether you do mostly motorway or city driving. City driving wears pads much faster because of constant stopping and starting.

Watch for these warning signs: a high-pitched squealing noise when braking (most pads have a built-in wear indicator that causes this), a grinding or scraping sound (which means the pads are completely worn and the metal backing plate is contacting the disc — get this checked immediately), the car pulling to one side under braking, a soft or spongy brake pedal, or a brake warning light on your dashboard. Many modern cars also display a brake pad wear warning on the instrument cluster.

At your MOT, the tester will check your brake pad thickness. Pads are typically 8–12mm thick when new, and the legal minimum is 1.5mm — but most mechanics recommend replacing them at 3mm to maintain safe stopping performance.

Brand Tiers Explained

The UK aftermarket brake pad market broadly splits into four tiers:

Premium performance brands like Brembo, EBC, and Ferodo Racing are designed for enthusiast and high-performance driving. They offer the best stopping power and fade resistance but at the highest price.

OEM-quality brands like TRW, Ferodo Premier, Bosch, and Delphi are what most car manufacturers use as original equipment. They're the safe choice — you know you're getting the same quality as the pads your car left the factory with.

Mid-range brands like Mintex, Pagid, and Blueprint offer solid performance at a lower price point. These are popular with independent garages and are perfectly adequate for normal driving.

Budget brands are unbranded or lesser-known manufacturers. They'll meet minimum safety standards but may wear faster, produce more noise, and offer less consistent braking feel. For most drivers, spending a bit more on a mid-range brand is worth it for the peace of mind.

Should You Replace Discs at the Same Time?

Not always, but it's worth checking. Brake discs typically last 2–3 sets of pads. If your discs have a visible lip around the edge, score marks across the surface, or measure below the minimum thickness (stamped on the disc itself), they should be replaced alongside the pads. Fitting new pads on worn discs reduces braking performance and can cause the new pads to wear unevenly.

How to Save Money

Brake pads are one of the parts where it's easiest to save money by shopping around. Prices for the same brand and part number can vary significantly between retailers. Using a price comparison tool helps you spot the best deals quickly. Buying a full axle set (both sides) is almost always cheaper per pad than buying singles. And if you're comfortable with basic DIY, front brake pads are one of the easier jobs to do at home with basic tools — there are excellent guides on YouTube for most popular UK cars.

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