2025 Guide to Car Brake Maintenance: Find out when to change pads and rotors, how to choose the best brands, and ensure safety and performance.
Brakes are one of the most important safety components of any car.
Yet, many motorists neglect their maintenance or choose inferior parts, putting themselves and others at risk .
❌ Worn pads.
❌ Scratched or warped discs.
❌ Counterfeit or non-approved products.
In 2025, braking system maintenance is no longer an option , but a must to ensure the safety, comfort, and value of your vehicle.
In this guide we look at how to choose quality pads and discs, when to replace them and how to avoid costly mistakes .
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✅ Why brake maintenance is essential
⚠️ Brakes are active safety devices .
If they are not in perfect condition:
❌ They lengthen the braking distance.
❌ They lose effectiveness at high temperatures.
❌ They can jam or fail in an emergency.
✅ Regular maintenance ensures:
✔️ Safe and controlled braking.
✔️ Uniform wear of components.
✔️ Noise and vibration reduction.
✔️ Preservation of the car's value.
🛠️ When to change pads and discs
✅ Brake pads
⭐ Average lifespan: 30,000–50,000 km, but varies depending on:
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Driving style (urban or highway).
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Vehicle weight.
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Quality of the material.
⭐ Symptoms of wear: -
Metallic noises or squeaks.
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Long or spongy pedal.
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Brake light on dashboard.
✅ Brake discs
⭐ Average lifespan: 70,000–100,000 km.
⭐ Check at every pad change.
⭐ Symptoms of problems:
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Vibrations when braking.
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Deep scratches or burns.
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Thickness below the minimum expected.
⚙️ How to choose the right pills
⭐ 1️⃣ OEM Compatibility
➡️ Always respect the original manufacturer's code.
➡️ Avoid untested generic models.
⭐ 2️⃣ Approval and certifications
➡️ Check the ECE R90 acronym (mandatory in Europe).
➡️ Guarantees minimum safety standards.
⭐ 3️⃣ Quality of the material
➡️ Organic → cheaper, less resistant.
➡️ Semi-metallic → good performance at a reasonable price.
➡️ Ceramics → silent, heat resistant, more expensive.
⭐ 4️⃣ Choose serious brands
➡️ Brembo, Bosch, TRW, Ferodo, ATE.
➡️ Tested and guaranteed products.
⚙️ How to choose the right discs
⭐ 1️⃣ Meets OEM specifications
➡️ Diameter, thickness and height → must match perfectly.
⭐ 2️⃣ Disk type
➡️ Solid → cheaper, for lightweight cars.
➡️ Ventilated → better at dissipating heat, ideal for modern cars.
➡️ Perforated/grooved → sporty look, better cooling.
⭐ 3️⃣ Build quality
➡️ High quality cast iron.
➡️ Uniformity of thickness → less vibrations.
⭐ 4️⃣ Trusted Brand
➡️ Brembo, Zimmermann, Bosch, TRW, ATE.
➡️ ECE R90 certification.
⚠️ Common mistakes to avoid
❌ Save money by choosing unknown brands.
❌ Not checking the specifications → incorrect assembly.
❌ Only change the pads on worn discs → rapid wear and ineffective braking.
❌ Ignore the brake light when it is on.
❌ Performing assembly without skills → safety risks.
💡 Practical advice
⭐ Check your brakes at least once a year or every 15,000 km.
⭐ Check the thickness of the pads and the condition of the discs at every service.
⭐ Always prefer original or equivalent quality spare parts.
⭐ Trust reputable workshops that use adequate equipment.
⭐ Keep invoices and receipts → useful for warranty and resale.
🏅 Ranking of the best braking material brands 2025
✅ 1️⃣ Brembo
World-famous Italian brand.
✔️ Original equipment discs and pads for sports and premium cars.
✔️ Top performance, excellent heat dissipation.
✔️ Premium lines also for road use.
✅ 2️⃣ ATE
German brand and OEM supplier to many European manufacturers.
✔️ ECE R90 approved.
✔️ Silent and modulable braking.
✔️ Excellent value for money.
✅ 3️⃣ Ferodo
Historic and reliable British brand.
✔️ Wide range for every need.
✔️ Eco-Friction technology with low copper content.
✔️ Consistent performance even at high temperatures.
✅ 4️⃣ TRW
Part of the ZF Group, global reach.
✔️ Anti-corrosion coatings.
✔️ Consistent and long-lasting braking.
✔️ Wide range also for SUVs and commercial vehicles.
✅ 5️⃣ Delphi
American brand with a strong presence in Europe.
✔️ Excellent price/quality ratio.
✔️ Silent pads, with reduced vibrations.
✔️ Robust and long-lasting discs.
✅ 📌 Important note:
👉 All these brands are available in the Autoricambi Tritella warehouses.
➡️ Only original spare parts or certified equivalents.
➡️ Guaranteed compatibility and total safety for your car.
➡️ Professional advice to help you choose the best.
🤝 Why rely on a professional
A good mechanic or specialized spare parts dealer:
✅ Check OEM codes and compatibility.
✅ Recommends the right product for your driving style and model.
✅ Guarantees approved and tested brands.
✅ Avoid costly mistakes and security risks.
➡️ He's not just a salesman → he's an ally for your safety on the road.
🔗 Want to learn more?
👉 Also read our guide on original and compatible spare parts to really understand what you're buying.
✅ Conclusion
Brakes are not a secondary detail.
✅ Choosing quality pads and discs means you can stop your car safely, every time.
✅ Avoiding false savings means protecting yourself, your passengers, and all road users.
✔️ Get informed.
✔️ Choose only approved and certified products.
✔️ Trust trusted professionals.
Because safety is priceless. 🛠️🚗
