Brake Pad Guide: From OEM to Track Ready — What’s Right for You?

Brake Pad Guide: From OEM to Track Ready — What’s Right for You?

At JXL Performance, we know that brake pads can often be one of the most overlooked upgrades — until you're dealing with fade, noise, or worse, poor stopping power. Whether you're refreshing a daily driver, preparing for your first track day, or building a full-blown race car, your choice of brake pad matters. In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of brake pads available, their compounds, how they perform, and what trade-offs you should expect as you go from OEM-style all the way to motorsport-grade pads.

OEM-Style Brake Pads: Everyday Comfort and Convenience

Let’s start with what most vehicles come fitted with from the factory — OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or equivalent pads. These are designed with road use in mind, focusing on comfort, longevity, and low noise.

Compound:
Typically semi-metallic or ceramic-based, these pads are formulated to provide a smooth bite from cold, minimal dust, and maximum lifespan. The compound is relatively soft to preserve both the discs and the overall driving experience.

Friction Levels:
Low to moderate. OEM pads prioritise predictability over aggressive stopping power.

Pros:

  • Quiet operation
  • Low dust output
  • Long-lasting and disc-friendly
  • Ideal for urban and motorway driving

Cons:

  • Limited performance under repeated heavy braking
  • Can suffer from fade when pushed hard
  • Not suited for spirited driving or track use

Examples of OEM brake pads:

Fast Road / Performance Pads: The Enthusiast’s Choice

If you enjoy a spirited drive through the B-roads or have a mildly tuned vehicle, this is usually the first step up. Fast road pads offer a noticeable performance boost without a major drop in refinement.

Compound:
A more aggressive semi-metallic or ceramic compound with improved temperature tolerance. Some may include a small percentage of carbon or kevlar for enhanced bite.

Friction Levels:
Moderate to high. They perform better at higher temperatures and offer more confidence under braking.

Pros:

  • Better initial bite
  • Improved fade resistance
  • Suitable for enthusiastic road driving
  • Still comfortable enough for daily use

Cons:

  • May produce more brake dust
  • Slight increase in noise, especially when cold
  • Can wear quicker than OEM pads

Examples of Fast Road/Performance brake pads:

Track-Focused Pads: Built to Take a Beating

When lap times matter and you’re pushing your car hard for sustained periods, a track-oriented brake pad is essential. These pads are designed for extreme conditions, where performance and consistency are far more important than comfort.

Compound:
Often metallic or carbon-based, designed to operate efficiently at much higher temperatures. Some compounds include high levels of iron, ceramic, or carbon fibre for durability and heat resistance.

Friction Levels:
High to very high. These pads typically require heat to work optimally, and the bite can be fierce once up to temperature.

Pros:

  • Exceptional fade resistance
  • Consistent performance under extreme braking
  • Designed for high-speed, high-stress environments

Cons:

  • Noisy (squeal is common)
  • High levels of dust
  • Increased wear on both pad and disc
  • Can be ineffective when cold — not suitable for road use

Examples of Track Focused Brake Pads:

Choosing the Right Pad for Your Use Case

Your ideal brake pad depends entirely on how you drive. If your car rarely sees anything more demanding than a trip to the shops or a motorway run, OEM or performance road pads are usually more than enough. But if you’re planning on doing track days, or already suffer from brake fade during spirited driving, investing in higher-grade pads will transform your braking confidence.

That said, it’s important to be realistic about your expectations. Higher-performance compounds come with compromises — more dust, more noise, and faster wear. They’re not always suitable for daily use, especially in colder climates or stop-start traffic. And remember: your brake system is only as strong as its weakest link — pads, discs, fluid, and even tyres all work together.

Still Unsure? Let Us Help

At JXL Performance, we supply a wide range of brake pads from trusted brands for everything from hot hatches to full-on track weapons. If you're not sure which pad is best for your setup, drop us a message — we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.