Whether you own a classic old-school SUV that is rough on the edges or these new-age slick SUVs, they both need good quality brake pads. The uniting factor between these two generations of technology is that they are both highly dependent on good brakes for comfortable driving.
Ceramic brakes also have a longer shelf life and are highly durable. For instance, they do not emit a lot of dust while braking and they can easily work under high temperatures.
Good quality ceramic brake pads for your SUV are therefore highly recommended. There are many available products in the market and this article highlights the best of them. To save you time, this guide is comprehensive with all the factors you need to consider before settling on any product.
Brake pads, brake discs, and good quality brake rotors can be a matter between life and death because good brakes can stop an accident from happening. They also make driving more enjoyable.
While ceramic brake pads are quite pricey, they are innovative products made of ceramic material infused with copper. They are specifically designed to be ultra-quiet, efficient, and comfortable.
Best Ceramic Brake Pads for SUV
Stop Tech Performance Brake Pads
Stop Tech Performance are high-performance pads that work well in SUV’s. They boost your brakes performance and also give your SUV high performance feel. They are specifically engineered to be upgrades to stock pads. This is because they have larger rotors that substantially boost its operating temperature.
This ensures the pads work for a long time once fitted. Secondly, they have stiffer calipers which provide a consistent pedal feel when driving. All these are key benefits when changing stock brake pads.
Beyond increasing the heat capacity of the pads, Stop Tech also aims to maintain the SUV’s brake torque ratio. Another unique feature with these pads is that they are designed to maintain balance in the car using caliper bores and pistons. This further makes this product the ideal replacement in an SUV.
Some of the models available for SUVs include Stop Tech Performance brake pads 309.09051, 309.04761 and 309.04580.
Key Features
- High operating temperature which eliminates wear and fade
- Superb release when force is applied guaranteeing a smooth, nice ride
- Linear response due to its Para-aramid composite
- Ideal for competitive autocross racing as well as for light everyday use
Pros
- Highly durable and long-lasting as they generate minimal brake dust
- Produce little sound and are ultra-quiet
Bosch Quiet Cast Premium Automotive Brake Pads
Bosch Automotive brake pads are highly used products in Asian, European and American cars. They are specially designed to fit SUVs and light tracks. Since introducing its first brake system design patent in 1936, Bosch has been a key player in the braking industry.
For instance, it introduced the innovative Electronic Stability Control System and Anti-Lock Braking technology. Bosch Quiet Cast brake pads are therefore advanced and armed with state-of-the-art technology.
These brake pads have formulas that include platform-specific copper-free ceramic pads. They also integrate the best OE technology to ensure optimal superior performance. Indeed, Bosch Quiet Cast Premium Disc Brake Pads utilize innovative materials that ensure the highest level of quality.
Some other hallmarks of this product are that it is durable and long-lasting. The kit also comes complete with all you need during the installation process. It also includes a lubricant to make the job easier.
Key Features
- Superb craftsmanship ensures good stopping power plus low brake dust accumulation
- Multilayer shim which has a runner core gives the brake pad increased resiliency and protection against noise
- Fitted with alloys mixed with the copper wires and ceramic materials which makes the pad friction-free
- Has a protective layer that helps extend the pad life
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting
- Produces little noise, ultra-quiet
Akebono ACT1654 Premium Automotive Brake Pads
Akebono ceramic brake pads are made using precise original equipment standards (OEM technology). They are designed to be versatile offering the best braking experience in both competitive and light driving.
Its optimized ceramic technology also makes this product highly durable in many ways. First, it is ultra-quiet and minimizes slight vibrations and harshness on the car. This greatly reduces unnecessary.
This cutting-edge technology also reduces wheel dust which in turn boosts the durability of the pads. To add to its benefits, Akebono brakes offer smooth and consistent braking over all kinds of road conditions including emergency stops.
Akebono brake pads are a good upgrade from stock brake pads and for restoring the ceramic pad performance.
Key Features
- Developed using advanced formula that reduces squealing and vibrations, as well as wear and tear
- Longer shelf life when in normal driving conditions
- Materials used in the pads are non-reactive to most of the aluminum used in wheels. This helps reduce brake dust which deteriorates brake pads eventually
- Consistent stopping power over a variety of driving conditions including emergency braking
- Optimized to ensure they fit most trucks and SUVs in the current market
Pros
- Highly durable and long lasting as it has little to no dusting
- Fits in most SUVs in the market
- Comfortable to use due to the little sound it produces
Raybestos Premium Grade Automotive Brake Pads
You will not go wrong with Raybestos if you are looking for tough ceramic brake pads. Raybestos is grade quality and highly durable. For instance, this product can collide with the rotor.
This serves and aids to facilitate the stopping motion of the vehicle. This stopping is usually smooth and consistent. This product also has ample heat resistance because of the heat automatically generated during braking.
You know your brake pads are worn out when they produce high squealing and grinding sounds when pressed. This usually occurs because brake pads get worn out and damaged when it is not thick enough to handle the rotors after heat and brake dust damage.
Once you observe this, mounting new brake pads will be required. If not, there can be further damage to your SUV’s braking system. Raybestos are a good quality replacement for stock brakes.
Key Features
- Most suitable for everyday use as it is specifically designed for that
- Shim, good quality materials that reduces vibrations and noise making these brake pads ultra-quiet
- Consistent fit and function which are designed by OE (original equipment) standards
- Fitted with integral electronic wear sensors
- It comes with a one year warranty
Pros
- Wear sensor helps detect of the pad is worn out making this product highly efficient
- Minimal brake dust buildup
Wagner Automotive Brake Pads
Different car models often require different sets of brake pad designs. Engineers at Wagner have specifically invented brake pads that work in over a hundred models including SUVs.
Wagner Automotive brake pads are high quality and have platform-specific shapes, making them more efficient by increasing turbulent air flow. This also maintains the brakes in cool temperatures as heat dissipation is faster.
Wagner brake pads have consistent stopping power and operate in a quiet mode. This is the product for you for 15% more stopping power than factory shocks. They also offer 40% less fading and 35% quieter braking for an ultra-quiet ride.
In addition to all these features, Wagner Automotive are long lasting and you will not have to break your bank to purchase them. These brake pads are quite affordable.
Key Features
- Optimal stopping performance
- Noise reducing technology
- Copper alloys infused with the ceramic
Pros
- Incurs minimal brake dust making this product highly durable
- Does not produce any squealing noise when brakes are pressed
Centric 105.05370 Posi Quiet Ceramic Brake Pads
Centric Posi brakes are high quality pads. A hallmark feature of this product is that it is ultra-quiet. Noise and vibration is usually synonymous with poor quality pads.
Centric Posi Quiet brake friction uses precision cut plates that virtually eliminate all noise and vibration associated with brake pads. They also have an additional scorching process that keeps impurities out of the pads greatly accelerating the break-in process.
Key Features
- Comes with a limited lifetime warranty
- High-density ceramic that gives it a long life
- Little to no brake fading due to the absence of resin content
- Multi-layered shims provide a quiet and comfortable braking experience
Pros
- Pads are smooth and consistent while in use
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Virtually produces no sound allowing you cruse along silently
Factors to consider when purchasing ceramic brake pads for an SUV
Ceramic brake pads are usually expensive to buy. With that in mind, one has to be careful with how they choose the product of their choice.
Selecting the right brake pad can make a whole lot of difference when it comes to a life or death situation. The following are factors one should consider when purchasing brake pads for an SUV.
Environmental Factors
Climate change is a concerning issue for our time. The environment is slowly being depleted because of poor practices like using products that are non-biodegradable.
If you are keen on doing your part in saving the planet, buying a ceramic brake pad that is eco-friendly is to be considered. Bosch Quiet Cast for instance uses innovative brake pad technology that meets the 2025 Copper Free Legislation.
Noise range
When applying pressure on the brake you should be able to gauge whether the pads produce any screeching sound before it comes to a halt. The degree of the sound shall determine if the pads can withstand wear during the duration of its usage. A good quality ceramic brake pad for an SUV is one that is ultra-quiet.
Dust build-up
Although accumulated dust has no immediate effect on the performance of the car, it does not look visually impressive. This dust is brought about when the pad shavings land on the outer side of the wheel. One should consider buying a product that are easy to clean with minimal dust accumulation.
Price
The prices of pads vary in the market and it is important that you strike the balance between affordability and quality. Before buying your desired pad you should compare its price to others and how well it will serve you in the long run.
Wear and tear
Since brake pads are made of ceramic, they usually last quite some time but different products have varying degrees of resistance. When choosing a product, you should consider any extra features added to the brake pad to reduce wear. Ease of installation is also a key factor for consideration.
FAQ
How long do ceramic brake pads last before replacing them?
Brake pads usually last for about 50,000 km. Beyond that, a good quality replacement should be bought. Another factor is how often you engage your brakes.
There is usually a drastic difference between drivers in the countryside and those who are usually hauled up in traffic. The heavy commuter is more likely to press on their brakes compared to other drivers. This causes brake pads to wear away more quickly therefore needing a replacement.
What does the term brake fade mean?
Brake fade is when your brakes retain excessive heat causing them to not function properly. Ceramic brake pads are a good option because it can take high temperatures. They can also take on heavy-duty braking situations.
Can ceramic brake pads damage rotors?
No, they cannot damage rotors. Ceramic pads have a smooth and uniform surface. They do not have any steel or wire inside it helps to keep the face of the rotor smooth hence reducing wear and tear.
What are the qualities of a good ceramic brake pad?
A quality ceramic brake pad is one that is easy to install and offers optimal performance. A warranty is an added bonus.
There are many high-value cars out there like BMW, Audi and Corvette that will benefit by using ceramic brakes that you should not really consider any other types of pads in these specialist types of cars.
Conclusion
For a car owner, having the security of knowing that your brake pad is in good condition at all times is very assuring and quite life-saving. With the right kind of brake pad you can rest easy as they can easily stop the car even when stopped in an emergency.
This review has highlighted some of the quality ceramic brakes for an SUV. All the products have good features. Some are particularly good at being ultra-quiet while others offer unmatched brake dust build-up. One should consider the factors stated above to end up with the right product for your specific needs.
