Towing can put a lot of stress on your vehicle’s braking system, and if you need to use the right brake pads, it can lead to costly repairs and dangerous situations on the road.

When it comes to towing, safety should always be your top priority. One of the most important components of your vehicle when towing is your brake pads. Regular brake pads cannot handle the added stress and weight of towing. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which brake pads are the best for your towing needs? That’s where we come in. 

We’ve scoured the market and compiled a list of the 5 best brake pads for towing in 2023. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which brake pads to choose to ensure safe and reliable stopping power when towing. Towing can put a lot of stress on your vehicle’s braking system, and if you need to use the right brake pads, it can lead to costly repairs and dangerous situations on the road. Say goodbye to towing woes and hello to peace of mind with our top picks.

The Five Best Brake Pads in 2023 for Towing

ACDelco Silver 14D785CH Ceramic Disc Brake Pad

Akebono ProACT ACT787 Ceramic Brake Pad

Bosch QuietCast Ceramic Brake Disc Pads

Power Stop Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Brake pads

Wagner ThermoQuiet QC465A Ceramic Disc Brake Pad

ACDelco Silver 14D785CH Ceramic Disc Brake Pad

best break pads for towing

The ACDelco Silver 14D785CH Ceramic Disc Brake Pad is the perfect choice for a high-quality, reliable, cost-effective brake pad. With its advanced ceramic and nonferrous materials, this brake pad offers durability and strength that you can rely on.

In particular, the benefit of this brake pad is its ability to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness while braking. This is thanks to the basic shims, slots, and chamfers incorporated into its design. This makes for a more comfortable and smooth driving experience.

Another significant aspect of the ACDelco Silver 14D785CH Ceramic Disc Brake Pad is its ease of installation. Unlike other brake pads that require curing or machining, this one is ready to be installed right out of the box, making it perfect for those who want to upgrade their brakes without the hassle of complicated installation procedures. This brake pad is also designed to replace General Motors vehicles directly and most makes and models.

In terms of value, the ACDelco Silver 14D785CH Ceramic Disc Brake Pad is hard to beat. It offers dependable quality at an economical price, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget. Plus, its versatility is a great option for anyone looking for a brake pad that can handle a wide range of vehicle applications.

Overall,  if you’re looking for a high-quality, reliable, and cost-effective brake pad, then the ACDelco Silver 14D785CH Ceramic Disc Brake Pad is worth considering. Its advanced ceramic and nonferrous materials will provide you with the durability and strength you need while also delivering a smooth and comfortable driving experience. 

So don’t wait any longer. Upgrade your braking system today with the ACDelco Silver 14D785CH Ceramic Disc Brake Pad!

Pros:

  • A chamfer, slot, and shim reduce braking harshness.
  • Installation is ready right out of the box.
  • Economic value with dependable quality.
  • For durability, made of ceramics and nonferrous metals

Cons:

  • Check compatibility before buying.

Akebono ProACT ACT787 Ceramic Brake Pad

best break pads for towing

The Akebono ProACT ACT787 Ceramic Brake Pad is the ultimate upgrade for your vehicle’s original equipment semi-metallic, organic, and low-metallic brake pads. With its ultra-quiet design, this brake pad effectively controls noise, vibration, and harshness levels, giving you a smooth and comfortable driving experience.

In addition, one of the best things about the ACT787 is its superior initial effectiveness, eliminating the need for any break-in period. This means that you can enjoy optimal braking performance right from the start. Additionally, the ceramic formula used in this brake pad is vehicle optimized for maximum performance, making it a great choice for any vehicle.

Not only does the ACT787 offer exceptional braking performance, but it also extends the life of your rotors with its rotor-friendly design. The engineering number ACT564 stamped on the pad guarantees its quality.

Overall, the Akebono ProACT ACT787 Ceramic Brake Pad is an excellent choice for a high-performance, quiet, and rotor-friendly brake pad. It’s time to upgrade your vehicle’s braking system with the best.

Pros:

  • Improves all OE pads, semi-metallic, organic, and low-metallic
  • Controls harshness, noise, and vibration
  • Effective at first use without break-in
  • High rotor friendliness to prolong rotor life

Cons:

  • The design may not be as effective as other options.

Bosch QuietCast Ceramic Brake Disc Pads

best break pads for towing

When it comes to brake pads, quality and performance are key. The Bosch QuietCast Ceramic Brake Disc Pads deliver on both fronts with various features that make them stand out.

What stands out about these brake pads is their exceptional stopping power. This is thanks to Bosch’s dedication to engineering and the use of platform-specific, premium materials. Additionally, the ceramic and semi-metallic friction formula complies with the 2025 Copper Free legislation.

Among the many great features of these brake pads is their quiet operation. The rubber core multilayer shim increases strength and insulation against noise, making your driving experience smoother and more pleasant.

Moreover, the Bosch QuietCast Ceramic Brake Disc Pads also come with a number of other features that make them a great choice. These include slots and chamfers for premium quality, fit, and function, as well as a hardware kit (where available) and synthetic lubricant included to perform a complete brake job.

All in all, the Bosch QuietCast Ceramic Brake Disc Pads are an excellent choice for those looking for high-performance, reliable brake pads. With their range of features and high-quality construction, they will surely provide you with the stopping power and quiet operation you need.

Pros:

  • Heavy-duty stopping power 
  • Multilayer rubber shims increase strength, noise insulation
  • Advanced aerospace alloys reduce friction without copper
  • Pad and rotor life extended by a protective layer

Cons:

  • It is necessary to verify specific fitment details.

Power Stop Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Brake pads

best break pads for towing

When upgrading your vehicle’s braking system, the Power Stop Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads are a top choice for those needing superior stopping power and quiet operation. These brake pads are crafted with a unique blend of carbon-fiber ceramic material and chamfered slots, ensuring a fast break-in and noise-free braking experience.

Furthermore, the Power Stop brake pads also feature a powder-coated backing plate, making them perfect for muscle cars and other high-performance vehicles. This coating not only enhances braking performance but also extends the life of the pads by resisting rust and corrosion.

One of the standout features of these brake pads is their inclusion of a premium stainless steel hardware kit and brake grease, making installation a breeze. And before installing the rotor, it’s recommended to clean it with mild soap and water and then wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth.

In summary, the Power Stop Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads offer exceptional stopping power, quiet operation, and extended life thanks to their durable and corrosion-resistant design. Make sure to confirm fitment with the product description before making your purchase for optimal results.

Pros:

  • Enhanced braking with carbon-fiber ceramics
  • Shims and chamfers ensure quiet braking
  • Backing plate is powder coated to resist rust and corrosion
  • Kit includes stainless steel hardware and brake grease
  • Suitable for muscle cars

Cons:

  • Ensure compatibility by checking fitment.

Wagner ThermoQuiet QC465A Ceramic Disc Brake Pad

best break pads for towing

Wagner ThermoQuiet QC465A Ceramic Disc Brake Pads are the ultimate choice for those who demand the best in braking performance and durability. Engineered with application-specific design and a unique laser-shaped friction, these brake pads are designed to spread out heat, sound, and vibration to reduce noise opportunities, making for a much quieter operation.

A notable characteristic of the Wagner ThermoQuiet brake pads is their long lifespan. The superior formulation design dissipates heat for long-lasting friction performance and reduced brake fade, ensuring that these pads will last you for miles to come. Additionally, the proprietary formulation provides superior braking performance and reduced rotor wear, helping to cut down on brake dust and keep your wheels cleaner.

Moreover, the one-piece design of the Wagner ThermoQuiet brake pads adds to their durability. The IMI technology integrates the friction material, backing plate, and insulator into the brake pad for select applications, making for a more robust and reliable pad. And with premium stainless-steel hardware for select applications, installation is made easy.

In addition, one of the benefits of these brake pads is the comprehensive coverage they offer. Available for most vehicles on the road, these pads have been engineered to fit a wide range of vehicles, making them a versatile choice for any driver. And with the zero copper formulation featuring Wagner OE25 zero-copper friction formulation, these brake pads are an environmentally friendly option.

Overall, the Wagner ThermoQuiet QC465A Ceramic Disc Brake Pad is excellent for a high-performance, durable, and quiet brake pad option. With superior formulation design, one-piece design, and comprehensive coverage, these brake pads will provide the superior stopping power and enhanced durability. 

This brake pad is worth considering if you want to experience quiet performance, superior stopping power, and enhanced durability.

Pros:

Laser-shaped friction imparts a quieter operation.

Wheels stay cleaner thanks to reduced rotor wear.

Stainless steel hardware included.

Zero-copper formulation for added safety.

Asbestos-free friction material.

Cons:

Compared to other options, it may be more expensive.

Buying Guide: Factors To Consider Before Choosing Best Brake Pads For Towing

best break pads for towing

Regarding towing, having suitable brake pads is essential for safety and performance. Towing puts extra stress on your brakes, and it’s essential to have brake pads that can handle the added weight and pressure. This buying guide will cover the top factors to consider before purchasing brake pads for towing.

Towing Capacity

The first and foremost factor to consider when buying brake pads for towing is the weight of the load you will tow. Make sure to choose brake pads rated for your trailer’s or load’s weight.

Material

Another essential factor to consider is the material of the brake pads. Ceramic brake pads are a popular choice for towing as they provide excellent stopping power and are relatively quiet. However, semi-metallic brake pads are also a good option, as they are durable and offer good stopping power.

Noise and Dust 

Towing can generate a lot of noise and dust. Choosing brake pads that produce minimal noise and dust is important when towing. Look for low-dust brake pads and low noise to keep your vehicle clean and quiet while towing.

Temperature Range

Towing can stress your brake pads, so choosing pads that can handle high temperatures is important. Look for brake pads rated for high temperatures to ensure they can handle the added stress of towing and perform well in extreme heat.

Compatibility 

Make sure to check the compatibility of the brake pads with your vehicle’s make and model. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure the brake pads you choose to fit your vehicle correctly and work well with your braking system.

Warranty 

Lastly, consider the warranty on the brake pads. Towing puts a lot of stress on your brake pads, so choosing brake pads with a warranty is essential. Look for brake pads that come with a manufacturer’s warranty and are backed by the manufacturer. A good warranty can give you peace of mind and protect your investment.

Considering these key factors, you can be sure you are buying brake pads that will provide maximum stopping power and durability while towing, helping you avoid towing woes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to finding the best brake pads for towing, it’s important to consider factors such as durability, heat resistance, and noise level. The brake pads featured in our list of the top 5 best brake pads for towing in 2023 have been carefully selected based on their exceptional performance and ability to withstand the demands of heavy-duty towing. 

Whether you’re a professional truck driver or a weekend warrior, investing in a high-quality set of brake pads can make all the difference in ensuring the safety and longevity of your vehicle. Don’t let towing woes slow you down any longer, make the intelligent choice and upgrade to one of the top brake pads on our list today. So, the choice is yours. Make the best decision for your vehicle and ensure a smooth and safe towing experience for years.