Duralast Brake Pads Review: Are They Worth Buying?

Duralast brake pads are commonly featured in conversations about best brake pads on the market, and this brand name is synonymous with quality, excellence, and high-performance. 

In fact, there are only a handful of brands that offer brake pads that can compete with those manufactured by Duralast.

Even so, determining whether or not Duralast brake pads are a good choice for your car may be a challenging task if you don’t have all the information.

The manufacturer offers so many different models that provide excellent stopping power, but there are a number of factors you will have to consider before opting for one model or the other. 

So, in our Duralast brake pads review, we are going to take you through all of the aspects you will have to consider before buying new brake pads for your car.  

Who Are The Duralast Brake Pads For?

The Duralast Brake Pads are one of the best options for SUV owners. The Durablast Brake pads are highly resistant to corrosion and they will last for a long time. They have the ability to provide smooth and almost instantaneous breaking.

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The Benefits of Buying Duralast Brake Pads

Getting the best brake pads money can buy is important, because it will increase the capacities of your vehicle’s braking system. 

Not all Duralast brake pad models are going to be compatible with your car, which is the reason why you have to check the product’s specifications before you purchase it. 

Duralast brake pads can be installed on a broad range of vehicles, and the one thing all models produced by this manufacturer have in common is their ability to provide silent, smooth, almost instantaneous breaking.

Furthermore, high corrosion resistance, minimal vibration during the braking process, or long life expectancy are just a few among numerous benefits of installing Duralast brake pads on your vehicle. 

Even the most basic models of brake pads Duralast offers are an upgrade from the OE brake pads most cars have. 

Comparing Duralast Brake Pad Models 

The first thing you will have to do is pick the model. At the moment, this manufacturer offers the following brake pad models: 

  • Duralast brake pads
  • Duralast Gold brake pads 
  • Duralast Max brake pads

The regular Duralast brake pads are capable of performances similar to those provided by OE brake pads, but they also feature a powder-coated backing plate that improves their corrosion resistance. 

They also feature a two-layer shim that reduces the level of noise these brake pads are making during the braking process. 

Brake pads from the Duralast gold series deliver more stopping power, as well as lower vibration and noise levels due to a 3-layer shim. These ceramic brake pads are designed to be a direct replacement for your car’s original brake pads, and they perform remarkably well regardless of the road conditions. 

In addition, they produce a minimal amount of brake dust, which further decreases the chances of damage caused by corrosion. Duralast Max brake pads can either be ceramic or semi-metallic, depending on the model you choose. 

They are designed to provide remarkable stopping power while generating almost no noise in the process.  These brake pads are best suited for SUVs and similar types of vehicles, although you should check if the model you’re interested in is compatible with your truck or SUV.   

Upgrading from OE to Duralast Brake Pads

Both Duralast and Duralast Gold brake pads are designed to be a perfect replacement for your vehicle’s original brake pads. 

Each model from either of these series is made with the aim to provide the same or better braking performance than OE brake pads. 

However, regular Duralast brake pads are designed only for light applications, which means that they are not a great choice if you drive your vehicle through rough terrains often. 

Duralast Gold brake pads are designed to be a perfect replacement for the original parts, which is the reason why all slots and chamfers on these brake pads match the standard OE specifications. That’s why each model from this series can be considered a slight upgrade from your car’s original brake pads. 

In case you would like to boost a vehicle’s stopping power, then you should opt for Duralast Max brake pads since each part of these pads is crafted from the finest materials that are built to endure heavy-duty usage.   

Determining the Quality of Duralast Brake Pads

The fact that Duralast offers a limited lifetime warranty for all their products speaks volumes about its quality. The mileage you can cover without having to change Duralast brake pads depends on your style of driving, but most brake pad models offered by this brand can last for up to 100.000 miles. 

Both ceramic and semi-metallic brake pads offered by Duralast are able to stop a car while producing almost no noise, although some models may squeal in the first few days after installation. 

In addition, the thermal scorching process ensures that the Duralast brake pads are equally effective in both hot and cold climates. 

The Duralast brake pads are crafted using a formula that guarantees that they can have a strong first bite and that they provide sufficient stability during the braking process.

Furthermore, none of Duralast’s brake pad models wear out quickly, even if you are using your vehicle to cover great distances on a daily level.   

Comparing the Prices of Duralast Brake Pads

Duralast brake pads provide remarkable stopping power at an affordable price, which makes them a good option for all car owners who don’t want to spend a fortune on brake pads but still want to ensure their car’s braking system is equipped with some of the finest brake pads on the market. 

Most of the models cost between $40 and $60, although some models can cost up to a hundred dollars.

Keep in mind that brake pads are usually replaced in pairs, so the exact amount of money you are going to have to spend on Duralast brake pads is going to depend on whether you want to replace just front or rear wheels or brake pads on both axles. 

However, when calculating the costs of brake pad replacement, you should also factor in the fees mechanics charge for this job. The average cost of brake pad replacement is around $150, although the actual fee can increase if other parts of the braking system have to be serviced.  

Going Through the Installation Process of Duralast Brake Pads

The process of installing Duralast brake pads is very easy, although you are going to have to be properly prepared for each step of the process. 

Besides new Duralast brake pads, you are also going to need a floor jack, jack stands, brake tool, brake caliper synthetic grease, a socket wrench, and a tire iron. 

Moreover, you should have your car’s manual with you, especially if you never tried to replace brake pads before. The exact steps you will have to take depend on the car model you have, but usually, you will have to separate the pads from the rotor and then insert the replacement brake pads. 

If this process is too technical for you or you simply don’t have enough space to replace brake pads on your own, you should ask your mechanic to install Duralast brake pads for you. 

Who Are The Duralast Brake Pads For?

The Duralast Brake Pads are one of the best options for SUV owners. The Durablast Brake pads are highly resistant to corrosion and they will last for a long time. They have the ability to provide smooth and almost instantaneous breaking.

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Is There Any Difference Between the Front and Rear Duralast Brake Pads?

Brake pads are designed to be installed on the rear of the front wheels, and they cannot be interchanged because they won’t fit on the calipers. 

So, if you are replacing the front brake pads, you need to make sure that the Duralast brake pad model you are interested in is actually a front brake pad. 

The largest difference between the front and rear brake pads is the size since front brake pads are much larger. The front calipers have to be larger than rear calipers in order to handle the force that is applied to them on a daily basis. 

Consequently, front brake pads also need to be larger than rear brake pads, so the easiest way to check if the brake pad is designed for front or rear wheels is to check their dimensions. 

It is also worth noting that front brake pads wear out faster because the weight of the car keeps pushing forward after you stop a car. That is why you should perform checks of front brake pads at least once every six months. 

Choosing Duralast Brake Pads Over Competing Brands

Duralast brake pads stand shoulder to shoulder with other industry-leading brands, as they are designed to match or improve the quality of the car’s original brake pads.

The materials from which all of the Duralast’s brake pad models are made can withstand heavy-duty usage over long periods of time. Both ceramic and semi-metallic models have excellent stopping power, while they are also quite efficient at dispersing the heat. 

However, Duralast brake pads are not designed for vehicles that are used for off-road driving or towing purposes. 

So if you are looking for brake pads that can ensure silent, smooth, and efficient braking on trucks or sports cars, then you should consider getting brake pads from the EBC’s Greenstuff series or models offered by Powerstop or Hawk brands.  

EBC Brakes DP6993 6000 Series Truck and SUV Brake Pad | Amazon
$70.14

Upgrade your stopping power with a simple pad change using EBC high friction 6000 series greenstuff brake pads. The new EBC 6000 series boasts GG rated friction for better stopping with fully shimmed edge chamfered and slotted construction for silent running.

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03/09/2024 06:30 pm GMT

Power Stop Extreme Performance Carbon-Ceramic Rear Brake Pad Set | Amazon
$63.99

The Extreme Street Performance brake pads are made for extreme performance street drivers who demand shorter stops under the most demanding conditions. The Z26 brake torque is consistently higher than OE pads with outstanding thermal stability.

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03/09/2024 07:35 pm GMT

Hawk Performance HB453Z.585 Ceramic Brake Pad | Amazon
$107.03

Ultimate stopping power in an ultra-low dust, low noise ceramic compound. Hawk Performance has introduced a premium, high performance, ultra-low dust, low noise compound called Performance Ceramic.

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02/18/2024 09:15 pm GMT

Duralast brake pads are among the best pads for the city, or open road rides you can find on the market, but you shouldn’t expect too much from these brake pads if you are frequently driving your vehicle through rough terrains.  

Pros and cons

Pros

  • More affordable than competing brands
  • Duralast brake pads generate a minimal amount of dust
  • Excellent heat dispersion features
  • Low noise levels
  • Designed to match or improve the quality of OE brake pads
  • Excellent for street rides
  • Powerful stopping force
  • Straightforward installation process

Cons

  • Some models might squeak after installation
  • Not a perfect option for sport cars
  • Compatibility can be an issue
  • Some models might scratch brake rotors

The Best Alternatives to Duralast Brake Pads

Duralast manufactures some of the best brake pads on the market that can easily meet the expectations of most drivers. 

The high-quality materials used to produce Duralast brake pads, as well as their stopping capabilities or low noise levels, making them an excellent aftermarket option. 

Bosch, Akebono, or ACDelco are some of the brands you should consider if you are looking for alternatives to Duralast brake pads, but it is arguable if any of these brands offer brake pads that outperform Duralast’s models. 

Furthermore, opting for a brand like Bremo or Power Stop can be a good idea if you are looking for brake pads you can use on sports cars or trucks. 

Brembo P54039N Front Disc Brake Pad | Amazon
£75.50

Specifically designed for the North American market, this Brembo formulated friction material with premium shim offers comfortable, quiet, smooth braking and cleaner wheels.

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02/19/2024 10:10 am GMT

Power Stop K2069-36 Z36 Truck & Tow Front Brake Kit | AutoAnything

Brake fade is no joke - and with thousands of added pounds in your cargo, not every pad is going to be able to stop you after a long downhill. That's where the Z36 Truck and Tow brake kit comes in.

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Duralast brake pads are an excellent option for most passenger vehicles, as each of its models meets the highest industry standards. The available alternatives are either pricier than Duralast brake pads or capable of delivering similar stopping power. 

Our Recommendation: Reasons Why You Should Choose Duralast Brake Pads for Your Vehicle

OE brake pads have a limited life expectancy, and you may be forced to look for aftermarket replacement just months after you get a new car. 

Duralast’s ceramic and semi-metallic brake pads provide smooth and noiseless braking while generating a minimum amount of dust. In addition, they are not prone to corrosion, and they disperse heat efficiently.

The models from Duralast’s Gold or Max series are much better than standard OE brake pads, and there is very little doubt that each model from these two series is going to improve your safety on the road. 

We recommend using all of the Duralast brake pad models, because they are durable, corrosion-resistant, and they offer great performances at an affordable price.   

If you would like to learn more about the best brake pads for trucks, you should follow this link, or click here if you would like to learn more about Akebono brake pads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes Duralast brake pads?

Duralast brand belongs to AutoZone, which is the reason why these brake pads are often not available on other retailing websites.

Do Duralast brake pads have a warranty? 

Yes, Duralast is one of the rare car part manufacturers that offers a lifetime guarantee for all of its products. 

How often do I need to replace Duralast brake pads?

The estimated life expectancy of Duralast brake pads can vary between one and five years, depending on your style of driving and how often you perform maintenance checks. 

Are Duralast brake pads expensive? 

No, they are not. Duralast brake pads are priced similarly like models offered by other manufacturers.

Our Verdict

The aftermarket brake pads produced by Duralast are among the best options SUV, and car owners have at their disposal and are why we recommend them. However, they are not designed for off-road driving or sports cars, which is the reason why you may want to consider other brands if you need brake pads that deliver high-end performance under any conditions. 

Who Are The Duralast Brake Pads For?

The Duralast Brake Pads are one of the best options for SUV owners. The Durablast Brake pads are highly resistant to corrosion and they will last for a long time. They have the ability to provide smooth and almost instantaneous breaking.

Check Price
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
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