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12 April 2025 (updated) Best Brake Pad and Disc Brands in the UK
Car brake pads and discs should be a top priority for maintaining optimal braking performance and road safety. The pads typically need replacing once every 25,000 to 70,000 miles, while discs can last between 30,000 to 70,000 miles. Signs of wear include squealing noises, long stopping distances, or a vibrating brake pedal.
Good brake pads and discs will last longer and provide more security in the long run by preventing glazing, increasing grip, and reducing brake dust. However, not all of them are made equally. Check out the guide below for more information on the best brake pad brands and discs.
What are the best brake pads?
When determining the best brakes for cars, you’ll need to consider the demands of the specific make and model, the driving conditions, and the materials used. For example, while organic pads are gentle on the brake discs, they will wear out much quicker than semi-metallic or ceramic pads. Meanwhile ceramic pads typically offer the best performance and produce less brake dust although they are much more expensive. Lastly, you should look for parts from trusted manufacturers.
Here are the top 5 brands according to sales data & reviews:
- Brembo
- ATE
- TRW
- Ferodo
- Bosch
BREMBO Brake pad set
prepared for wear warning indicator
Article number: P 50 067
£ 30,71
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Article number: P 50 094
£ 28,04
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-51%
ATE Brake pad set
prepared for wear warning indicator, excl. wear warning contact
Article number: 13.0470-3605.2
compared to
RRP
£ 101,30
£ 49,60
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
BOSCH Brake pad set
Low-Metallic, with acoustic wear warning
Article number: 0 986 424 790
£ 18,28
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Article number: FDB1693
£ 22,51
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Brand comparison:
| Brand | Recommended application | Characteristics |
| Brembo | High-performance driving (sports cars, racing) | Superior performance, proven reliability for demanding driving conditions. |
| ATE | Daily driving with an emphasis on performance | Good balance between price and performance, long-lasting. |
| TRW | Everyday driving with a focus on reliability and affordability | Reliable, good durability, ideal for standard driving conditions.
|
| Ferodo | High-performance driving (sports cars, racing) | Excellent durability and exceptional performance even in extreme conditions.
|
| Bosch | Daily driving with an emphasis on performance | Reliable, durable, suitable for various driving conditions, offers good balance between performance and affordability.
|
Best brake pad brands in the UK
Make sure to consult a qualified mechanic or brake specialist to determine which front and rear brake pads for cars, product lines, and front and rear brake calipers are best suited to your vehicle and driving needs. Below, you can find some information and the advantages and disadvantages of some of the most popular brands:
- Brembo
The main field of application for Brembo brake pads is racing. Nevertheless, the components are also popular for sports cars because they offer high performance, have excellent stopping power, and minimise brake fade. The durability of the design and materials make them a great choice for many drivers. One disadvantage is the higher price tag.
- BOSCH
Bosch is one of the leading suppliers of spare parts. As a budget to mid-range brand, the main advantage is the affordable price of Bosch brake pads and that they are suitable for a vast range of vehicles, providing excellent stopping power. A minor disadvantage of these brake pads is that they may not last as long as some of the premium brands, and they are not designed for racing or more demanding conditions.
- ATE
One advantage of ATE brake pads is that they not only offer a high level of safety, but they also offer high quality and durability. You also won’t need to worry about the brake pads squeaking while driving. Moreover, they are extremely heat resistant, which also reduces the risk of brake disc overheating. The downside is that they may be more expensive than other brands.
- TRW
TRW brake pads offer excellent stopping power, quiet operation, and great value for money. The range is extensive, so you are sure to find the right parts for your car or vehicle. One slight disadvantage is that they may not last as long as other brands.
- Ferodo
The key advantage of FERODO brake pads is that they are suitable for racing and sports cars, due to their excellent performance. They provide good stopping power and are durable both in terms of design and materials. However, the higher prices may be considered a disadvantage.
Article number: 07BB38SA
£ 29,24
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
BREMBO Brake pad set
excl. wear warning contact
Article number: P 86 002
£ 16,03
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Article number: P 54 030
£ 23,38
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
BREMBO Brake pad set
incl. wear warning contact
Article number: P 85 075
£ 23,85
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
BOSCH Brake pad set
Low-Metallic, with integrated wear sensor
Article number: 0 986 494 019
£ 19,98
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
What are the best brake discs?
There is no one answer to this question as the best brake discs for your vehicle will depend on the specific needs of the vehicle model, your driving habits, and the environment. However, the best brake disc brands in terms of sales and reviews have long been established on the market and are known for their build quality, reliability, excellent heat dissipation, and durability. In Europe, these include Brembo, STARK Automotive, BOSCH, and Febi Bilstein.
What brake pads and discs do I need for my car?
To determine the best brake pads and discs for your car, you should first check the recommendations in the vehicle owner’s manual as they can vary significantly from model to model. You should also consider the conditions the vehicle is driven in and what your priorities are. Use the car part’s OE number when searching for compatible discs and pads as this will ensure that they are the right dimensions and meet the same specifications as the original components.
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