Are Honda OEM brake pads better than aftermarket?
When it comes to replacing your Honda's brake pads, one of the most common questions is whether to choose Honda OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) brake pads or aftermarket options. As a seasoned auto repair professional, I’ve seen firsthand how this decision can impact your vehicle's performance, safety, and long-term maintenance costs. Let’s dive into the details to help you make an informed choice.
What Are Honda OEM Brake Pads?
Honda OEM brake pads are manufactured specifically for Honda vehicles and meet the exact specifications set by Honda. These brake pads are designed to work seamlessly with your car’s braking system, ensuring optimal performance and safety. They are the same brake pads that come with your vehicle when it’s brand new.
What Are Aftermarket Brake Pads?
Aftermarket brake pads are produced by third-party manufacturers and are not made specifically for Honda vehicles. They come in a wide variety of materials, price points, and performance levels, offering more options for consumers. However, the quality of aftermarket brake pads can vary significantly depending on the brand and type.
Key Differences Between Honda OEM and Aftermarket Brake Pads
Here are the main factors to consider when comparing Honda OEM brake pads to aftermarket options:
- Fit and Compatibility: Honda OEM brake pads are guaranteed to fit perfectly and work seamlessly with your vehicle’s braking system. Aftermarket pads may require adjustments or may not fit as precisely.
- Performance: OEM brake pads are engineered to provide consistent braking performance under various conditions. Some aftermarket pads may offer enhanced performance, such as better heat resistance, but others may fall short of OEM standards.
- Durability: Honda OEM brake pads are designed for longevity and reliability. While some high-quality aftermarket pads can match or exceed this durability, lower-quality options may wear out faster.
- Warranty: OEM brake pads often come with a warranty from Honda, providing peace of mind. Aftermarket pads may or may not include a warranty, depending on the manufacturer.
- Cost: Aftermarket brake pads are generally less expensive than OEM options. However, the lower upfront cost may come with trade-offs in terms of quality and performance.
When Should You Choose Honda OEM Brake Pads?
Honda OEM brake pads are the best choice if:
- You prioritize safety and reliability above all else.
- You want to maintain your vehicle’s original performance and specifications.
- Your vehicle is still under warranty, as using OEM parts can help avoid potential warranty issues.
When Are Aftermarket Brake Pads a Good Option?
Aftermarket brake pads might be a better choice if:
- You’re looking for a more budget-friendly option.
- You want specialized performance, such as enhanced stopping power for high-performance driving.
- You’re confident in selecting a reputable aftermarket brand with proven quality.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the decision between Honda OEM and aftermarket brake pads depends on your priorities, budget, and driving needs. If you value reliability, compatibility, and peace of mind, Honda OEM brake pads are a solid investment. On the other hand, if you’re looking for cost savings or specialized performance, high-quality aftermarket pads can be a viable alternative. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re here to help you make the best choice for your vehicle and ensure your brakes are in top condition. Feel free to reach out to us for expert advice or to schedule a brake service!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Honda brakes good?
Honda's brakes are high-quality and built to last. If you take care of your car and schedule the recommended maintenance appointments, you won't have to worry about getting your brakes failing or other expensive repairs.
Are OEM brakes better than aftermarket?
Each option has its own list of pros and cons. Genuine OEM parts typically offer better reliability, warranties and fitment than aftermarket parts. On the other hand, you have more variety with aftermarket or third-party auto parts, and they may even perform better than OEM components when towing large loads or racing.
What is the difference between OEM and genuine Honda parts?
OEM, Original equipment manufacturer part is a part made by the manufacture or made for them to their specification but an external company. A genuine part is a part supplied by the vehicle manufacturer in their packaging. Aftermarket parts are parts produced by any other company.
What brand is Honda OEM?
Denso is the OEM for Honda and produces many parts for other imports as well.
Who makes OEM brake pads for Honda?
Akebono brake
Akebono brake products: trusted by original equipment manufacturers worldwide. Akebono's OEM customers include Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Honda, Isuzu, Mazda, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, Stellantis, Subaru, Toyota and Volvo.
Are Honda brake pads better than others?
With an OEM pads, the fitment is exact because the tolerances demanded by Honda are tight. Brake pads are vital to your safety. Honda and other major automakers know that the future of the company rides on the safety and well being of their customers. As a result, OEM brake pads are always top tier in terms of quality.
Are Honda OEM parts worth it?
Superior Quality
There are undeniable perks to choosing an OEM part over an aftermarket part. We know they can cost more than an aftermarket part, but that's because they're superior when it comes to quality and longevity. They even include warranty coverage because they truly are built to last.
Are OEM parts better than aftermarket?
Quality. OEM parts offer greater assurance of quality than aftermarket parts because they are the same as the parts on new cars and offer the same level of performance. Aftermarket parts, however, vary greatly in terms of quality, so there is a higher level of uncertainty concerning the quality of aftermarket parts.
What is the average life of OEM brake pads?
Brake pads can last anywhere between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. Their longevity depends on your driving style and typical driving conditions. Using data provided by Federal Highway Administration statistics on how many miles people drive annually, typical brake pads will last between 3 and 7 years.
How long do Honda OEM brakes last?
On average, Honda brake pads last between 25,000 and 65,000 miles.
