So I've been seeing some conversations about Carbotech brake pads. I'm wondering if these are a) safe on the stock rotors and b) worth paying literally twice as much for. My car is pretty much my daily driver right now, and I doubt I'd really get it out on the track. That doesn't mean that I want sh*%y brake pads, but I'm just curious if they really DO last much longer. I like the OEM pads on my 05 because there's little dust and they don't squeel, also have good feel.

Also, I'm pretty sure my stock rotors are fine (I don't feel ANY shuttering when braking) so I don't think I'm going to replace those. Any idea if you can get JUST the SS lines and where?

Thanks.

 

CarboTech is well established in the racing community. Their rep is generally considered better than Hawk. However, they will cost considerably more than OEM pads.

Just make sure you choose their street pad. They will out perform an OEM pad significantly. Anything more aggressive will be a nightmare for average driving.

Remember, high performance pads are about increased braking and not longevity.

 

Yeah, what I always thought was that a high performance pad will increase performance. But why does their site claim that their pads will OUTLAST an OEM pad by four times?

I'm leaning towards just getting the OEM pads again as they are just as good as Hawk. But if the cost is justified with Carbotech, then I might get them.

Anyone know if their pads will eat the stock rotors more?

 

"Outperform" is a tricky term. When companies claim that aftermarket pads will outperform OEM, you have to ask what that means. In many cases (e.g. Hawk HPS), aftermarket pads will resist fade after repeat stops better than OEM, may dust less, and will probably last longer, but all of that comes with a price, which is usually cold bite and initial braking power. Pads that last longer are usually a lot harder than OEM, which means you will give up some braking power under initial cold stop conditions (i.e. panic stop or wet weather stops) and this is something you have to consider. Having run Hawk HPS pads on a prior street car and experienced the lag in braking that these pads caused in wet weather, I would never used them on a street car.

Also, keep in mind that aftermarket pads (and big brake kits) do not shorten stopping distances, regardless of what they tell you - only stickier tires do that. If the mfr claims otherwise, ask for documented tests to prove it.

 

if i were you, i would look at other pads since it is only for daily driving. Why pay so much more for a pad from a company that is racing oriented if you will not track or race your car? While their reputation is solid in the racing circles, you have great aftermarket choices for less $$$ that will yield you the performance you are looking for. save the extra $$$ for other mods.