Garage notes
How to spot a fake brake pad
Five checks before you buy brake pads anywhere, from packaging to weight.
Look at the box
Genuine packaging has sharp printing, a batch number and a hologram or seal from the maker. Blurry print, spelling mistakes or a box that feels thin are warning signs.
Feel the weight
Copied pads often use cheaper backing plates and less friction material. If you can, compare with a pad you know is genuine.
Check the friction material
It should be evenly bonded to the plate, with no gaps, cracks or crumbling edges.
Look for markings
Quality pads have the part number and a friction code printed on the backing plate.
Question the price
If the price is far below everyone else, ask why. Brakes are not where you want to save money.
In short
The checklist
- Look at the box
- Feel the weight
- Check the friction material
- Look for markings
- Question the price
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