Brake Pads
TL;DR - Quick Answer:
Need brake pads? We sell AND install quality ceramic, semi-metallic, and OEM brake pads. Unlike parts stores, we handle everything—inspection, parts, installation, and warranty. Same-day service. Call (707) 584-7727.
Quality brake pads professionally installed by ASE certified technicians. We carry ceramic, semi-metallic, organic, and OEM brake pads for all makes and models—and install them the same day.
Why buy brake pads from us instead of a parts store?
Get a Free Brake Pad Quote
Brake pad pricing varies by vehicle make/model and pad type. We offer ceramic, semi-metallic, organic, and OEM options to fit your needs and budget. Call us for a free inspection and personalized quote.
Types of Brake Pads We Install
Not sure which brake pads are right for your vehicle? Here's a breakdown of each type to help you decide—or ask our technicians for a recommendation.
Ceramic Brake Pads
Premium option with quiet operation, minimal dust, and excellent stopping power. Ideal for daily driving and luxury vehicles.
Pros:
- Quietest operation
- Less brake dust
- Longer lifespan
- Gentle on rotors
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Less effective when cold
Semi-Metallic Brake Pads
Excellent heat dissipation and stopping power. Great balance of performance and value for most vehicles.
Pros:
- Superior stopping power
- Better heat dissipation
- More affordable
- Works well in all temps
Cons:
- More brake dust
- Slightly noisier
- Faster rotor wear
OEM Brake Pads
Factory-spec brake pads that match your vehicle's original equipment. Guaranteed fit and performance.
Pros:
- Exact factory fit
- Maintains warranty
- Tested for your vehicle
- Predictable performance
Cons:
- Premium pricing
- May not improve on factory performance
Organic Brake Pads
Budget-friendly option made from organic materials. Quiet operation but shorter lifespan.
Pros:
- Most affordable
- Very quiet
- Gentle on rotors
- Eco-friendly materials
Cons:
- Shorter lifespan
- More dust
- Less heat tolerance
Signs You Need New Brake Pads
TL;DR: Don't ignore these warning signs. Catching worn brake pads early saves money and keeps you safe.
- Squealing or squeaking noise when braking (wear indicators)
- Grinding metal-on-metal sound (pads completely worn)
- Longer stopping distances than usual
- Brake pedal vibration or pulsation
- Vehicle pulls to one side when braking
- Brake warning light illuminated on dashboard
- Less than 1/4 inch of pad material visible through wheel
- More than 30,000 miles since last brake pad replacement
Why Not Just Buy From AutoZone?
Parts stores sell brake pads—but that's it. Here's why getting brake pads from us makes more sense:
- We install them — no DIY hassle or mistakes
- Free inspection — we check rotors, calipers, fluid
- Right parts — we know what fits your car
- Warranty — parts AND labor covered
- Same-day service — back on the road fast
- Safety tested — we road test every brake job
Our Brake Pad Replacement Process
TL;DR: We don't just slap pads on and send you out. Here's our comprehensive process that ensures your brakes work perfectly.
Free Inspection
Check pads, rotors, calipers, fluid, hardware
Honest Assessment
Show you exactly what needs replacement
Quality Parts
Install the right brake pads for your needs
Complete Service
Clean, lubricate, and adjust everything
Road Test
Test drive to verify proper operation
Brake Pad Brands We Install
We source the right brake pads for your specific vehicle from trusted manufacturers.
Brake Pads Near You in Sonoma County
We serve drivers throughout Sonoma County with professional brake pad installation. Click your city for location-specific information.
Brake Pads FAQ
Common questions about brake pads, answered by our ASE certified technicians.
How much do brake pads cost to replace?
Brake pad replacement cost varies by vehicle make/model and pad type. Ceramic pads cost more than semi-metallic or organic options. We provide free inspections and detailed estimates before any work begins. Call (707) 584-7727 for a personalized quote.
How long do brake pads last?
Brake pads typically last 30,000-70,000 miles depending on driving habits, pad type, and conditions. City driving with frequent stops wears pads faster (25,000-40,000 miles) while highway driving extends life (50,000-70,000 miles). Ceramic pads generally last longest, while organic pads wear faster.
What are the signs I need new brake pads?
Common signs include: squealing or squeaking when braking (wear indicators), grinding sounds (pads worn to metal), longer stopping distances, brake pedal vibration, vehicle pulling to one side, and brake warning light. If you notice any of these, get an inspection immediately.
Should I replace brake pads and rotors together?
Not always. If rotors are above minimum thickness and not warped or scored, you can replace just the pads. We measure rotor thickness during every brake inspection. However, if rotors are worn, damaged, or you're on your 2nd-3rd set of pads, replacing both ensures optimal braking and prevents premature pad wear.
What's the difference between front and rear brake pads?
Front brake pads do 60-70% of braking work due to weight transfer, so they wear faster and are typically larger. Rear pads last longer but are still crucial for balanced stopping. We recommend inspecting both axles and replacing as needed—you don't always need to replace front and rear together.
Can I drive with worn brake pads?
Driving with worn brake pads is dangerous and can cause expensive damage. When pads wear to metal, they destroy rotors, significantly increasing repair costs, reducing stopping power, and potentially causing brake failure. If your brakes are squealing or grinding, schedule service immediately.
How long does brake pad replacement take?
Brake pad replacement typically takes 1-2 hours per axle. If rotors need replacement or resurfacing, add 30-60 minutes. Most brake jobs are completed same-day when you bring your vehicle in during morning hours. We'll give you an accurate time estimate after inspection.
Do you install brake pads I purchased elsewhere?
We can install customer-supplied parts, though we recommend letting us source quality brake pads to ensure proper fit and warranty coverage. If you provide parts, labor warranty applies but parts warranty doesn't. We're happy to discuss options and help you make the best decision for your vehicle and budget.
What brake pad brand do you recommend?
We install quality brands including Wagner, Raybestos, Akebono, Centric, Bosch, and OEM parts. The best choice depends on your vehicle, driving habits, and budget. Akebono ceramics are excellent for quiet operation, while Wagner semi-metallic pads offer great value for trucks and SUVs.
Are ceramic brake pads worth the extra cost?
For most daily drivers, yes. Ceramic pads produce less dust (keeping wheels cleaner), operate more quietly, last longer, and are gentler on rotors. The higher upfront cost often balances out with longer pad and rotor life. They're especially worth it for luxury vehicles or if brake noise bothers you.
Get Quality Brake Pads Installed Today
Same-day brake pad installation. Free inspection. ASE certified technicians. Serving Rohnert Park and all of Sonoma County since 1989.