OEM VS AFTERMARKET BRAKE PADS: WHAT’S THE RIGHT CHOICE?

Mia · July 26

When it’s time to replace your vehicle’s brake pads, you often face the question: should I opt for OEM brake pads or aftermarket ones? Consulting repair shops or friends typically results in recommendations for OEM brake pads. However, for us, changing brake pads isn’t daunting; what’s crucial is understanding the differences between these two types. This understanding allows us to make an informed decision about which type is suitable for our needs.

What Is OEM Brake Pads

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM brake pads are manufactured by the same company that produced the original brake pads installed in your vehicle when it was first built.

These brake pads are designed to meet the specifications and standards set by the vehicle manufacturer. They are often sold through authorized dealerships or parts suppliers affiliated with the vehicle brand. OEM brake pads are known for their exact fitment, consistent performance, and compatibility with your vehicle. They typically come with a warranty and are considered to offer a high level of quality and reliability.

And they have stringent requirements. From the production process to the shipment of brake pads, everything is manufactured and inspected according to standards. In practice, the brake pads installed in vehicles are all qualified and trustworthy products.

What Is Aftermarket Brake Pads

Aftermarket brake pads are brake pads manufactured by third-party companies not affiliated with the original vehicle manufacturer. These companies produce brake pads that are compatible with a wide range of vehicle makes and models. Aftermarket brake pads are often designed to meet or exceed the performance and quality standards set by OEM brake pads.

They are available in various materials, including semi-metallic, ceramic, and organic compounds, offering a range of performance characteristics and price points. While aftermarket brake pads may offer cost savings and a wider selection compared to OEM options, the quality and consistency of aftermarket products can vary depending on the manufacturer.

It’s important to research and select reputable aftermarket brands to ensure compatibility and performance.

AFTERMARKET VS. OEM BRAKE PADS: PROS & CONS

Aftermarket brake pads:

Pros:

Cost: Aftermarket brake pads typically come at a lower price point compared to OEM brake pads, making them a favorable choice for customers with budget constraints
Variety: Aftermarket brake pads come in a wide range of options, including different materials and performance characteristics, allowing consumers to choose pads that best suit their driving needs.
Availability: Aftermarket brake pads are widely available from various retailers and suppliers, making them convenient to purchase.
Potential Performance Enhancements: Aftermarket brake pads manufacturers also improve braking performance, such as reduced noise, better heat dissipation, or enhanced stopping power.

Cons

Quality Variability: Many aftermarket brake pad manufacturers prioritize low prices, which can result in inconsistent quality. This often leads to issues such as excessive noise, inadequate friction coefficient, and increased wear on brake discs, which are highly unfavorable circumstances.
Compatibility Issues: While aftermarket brake pads are designed to be compatible with a variety of vehicles, issues can arise with the dimensions of the brake pads. This can lead to mismatched installations or excessive gaps, resulting in noise and impacting brake performance.
Warranty Concerns: While aftermarket brake pad manufacturers often provide warranty periods, many times, these warranties do not accurately reflect the actual lifespan of the brake pads. In other words, the lifespan of the brake pads is significantly reduced, leading to more frequent replacements compared to OEM brake pads, thereby increasing the overall budget for maintenance.

OEM brake pads

Pros:

Exact Fitment: OEM brake pads are designed to precisely fit the specifications of your vehicle, ensuring optimal performance and safety.
Quality Assurance: OEM brake pads are manufactured by the same company that produced the original parts for your vehicle, guaranteeing consistent quality and reliability.
Warranty Coverage: OEM brake pads typically come with a warranty from the vehicle manufacturer, providing peace of mind and protection against defects or failures.
Manufacturer Support: Purchasing OEM brake pads from authorized dealerships or parts suppliers often comes with access to manufacturer support and assistance.

How Should We Choose

Actually, for us ordinary consumers, when choosing brake pads, we often compare based on quality and price. But for some brake pad manufacturers, isn’t there one that produces aftermarket brake pads with quality comparable to OEM brake pads?

The answer is yes, and KETULLA is one such factory. Established in 2000, we’ve been in the business for 24 years, continuously researching, developing, and optimizing brake pads.

We have obtained authorization from 6 automotive manufacturers to produce brake pads, earning us the title of OEM brake pads manufacturer.

Whether it’s aftermarket or OEM brake pads, we uphold the same standard of quality as OEM brake pads. This is evident in several aspects:

Dimension: We adhere to strict specifications for brake pad dimensions, maintaining a tolerance range of 0.1 to 0.2mm, which fully complies with OEM brake pad standards.
Materials Selection: No asbestos(Actually, we stopped using it 10 years ago) We use high-quality materials(ceramic carbon fiber, graphite, metal fiber)in our brake pads, ensuring durability and performance comparable to OEM standards.
Copper-free: We strictly adhere to international standards by manufacturing brake pads that are copper-free, thus avoiding environmental pollution
Manufacturing Process: Our production process follows strict guidelines and quality control measures to maintain consistency and reliability in every brake pad we produce.
Testing and Certification: Each brake pad undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets or exceeds industry standards and safety requirements.
Quality Guarantee: We stand behind the performance of our brake pads, offering warranties and support to ensure customer satisfaction and safety on the road.