Ultimate Brake Kits Buying Guide

In our opinion, finding the best brake kits for your vehicle is one of the smartest investments you can make. And it's not only about performance. Few components matter more when it comes to vehicle safety than your brakes.

Whether you're upgrading your current system, replacing worn parts, or looking for a complete setup to buy online, we've created the ultimate buying guide to the best brake kits and the brands we work with at Parts Avenue.

We'll look at:

• What is a brake kit?
• Why you might need a brake kit
• The different types of brake kits
• The top-rated brake kit brands
• How to choose the correct brake kit
• Brake kit installation
• Frequently asked questions about brake kits

What is a Brake Kit?

When you buy brake kits, they come as a pre-packaged set of brake components designed to replace or upgrade the braking system on your vehicle.

It typically includes essential parts such as:

• Brake rotors (or discs)
• Brake pads
• Calipers
• Hardware (clips, shims, pins, and brackets)

Some complete kits even include brake shoes, drums, or lines. At Parts Avenue, you'll notice some of our brake kits include components from different brands. They're all compatible with each other, but by doing this, we can give you the best price possible.

Most people think Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) is the gold standard for the best brake kits. We believe OEM-style parts are the better option if you still want that original equipment high-quality, but at a much lower price.

Why You Might Need a Brake Kit

Brake systems are constantly exposed to heat, friction, and wear every time you drive. Even high-quality components eventually lose efficiency.

Worn brakes lead to:

• Longer stopping distances
• Vibration or noise during braking
• Poor pedal feel
• Reduced safety in wet or high-speed conditions

When you buy brake kits, you ensure that all parts are new, compatible, and balanced for even performance. You'll also find it's so much more cost-effective than buying components separately.

Top tip: Buying a brake kit online lets you compare prices and specifications more easily. When you shop with a Canadian retailer like Parts Avenue, you also get free local shipping, fitment guarantees, and warranties on every part.

The Different Types of Brake Kits

The right type of brake kits depends on how and where you drive. Here are the most common options:

1. Standard Replacement Brake Kits

These are designed to restore your vehicle’s original braking performance. A standard brake kit includes plain rotors and ceramic or semi-metallic pads. We recommend this type of brake kit for daily driving wear and tear, commuting, and light-duty vehicles. If your everyday car is due for a brake change, a basic standard replacement kit should be enough.

Best for: Everyday drivers looking for reliable, OEM-equivalent braking without expensive dealership prices.

The contents of a standard replacement kit vary. There are options for 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-part kits. 2-piece kits are the most basic option, including only front and rear brake pad sets (hardware included). 6-part kits are the most comprehensive option, featuring front disc brake rotors, a front ceramic brake pad set, rear disc brake rotors, and a rear ceramic brake pad set.

2. Drilled and Slotted Brake Kits

Drilled rotors have small holes to efficiently ventilate heat and gases. Slotted rotors are designed with grooves that sweep away dust and debris. Many performance kits combine both.

Drilled and slotted brake kits include 3 or 6 pieces. In a 6-piece kit, you'll get:

• 2x Front Coated Drilled Slotted Disc Brake Rotor (both sides)
• 1x Front Semi-Metallic Brake Pad Set
• 2x Rear Coated Drilled Slotted Disc Brake Rotor (both sides)
• 1x Rear Semi-Metallic Brake Pad Set (hardware included)

In a 3-piece kit, you'll get:

• 2x Rear Coated Drilled Slotted Disc Brake Rotor (both sides)
• 1x Rear Semi-Metallic Brake Pad Set (hardware included)

Best for: Drivers requiring forceful braking at high speeds, reduced fade, or better performance in wet conditions.

Advantages:

• Improved cooling
• Cleaner contact surface
• Enhanced looks (often with zinc coatings)

Considerations: When poorly developed, drilled rotors can develop micro-cracks under extreme stress. We always recommend choosing the most trusted and best brake kits brand and proper installation.

3. Performance Brake Kits

Performance brake kits (big brake kits) boost the braking capacity beyond OEM specifications. These kits will have larger rotors, multi-piston calipers, and high-friction pads.

Best for: Car enthusiasts, heavy vehicles, or anyone who tows, tracks, or drives aggressively.

Performance brake kits only come with two parts:

• 1x Front Semi-Metallic Brake Pad Set (Hardware Included)
• 1x Rear Semi-Metallic Brake Pad Set (Hardware Included)

Advantages:

• Superior heat dissipation
• Stronger pedal feel
• Shorter stopping distance

The best brake kits brand options: SIM, Positive Plus, TEC

Note: Always check that your wheel size is large enough to accommodate performance rotors and calipers. Performance rotors and calipers have a larger diameter and thicker rotors to increase leverage and heat dissipation.

LINK TO PERFORMANCE BRAKE KITS CATEGORY

4. Heavy-Duty Brake Kits

Heavy-duty brake kits are suitable for trucks, SUVs, high-powered cars, and towing vehicles. These kits prioritize thermal stability and fade resistance.

Best for: Drivers who haul, tow, or frequently drive off-road. Or simply the larger vehicle types, such as trucks, SUVs, or sedans.

Have duty brake kits come with the option for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and a 10-part kit option. The most comprehensive, the 10 full parts kit, includes:

• 2x Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly (both sides)
• 2x Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly (both sides)
• 2x Front Disc Brake Rotor (both sides)
• 1x Front Ceramic Brake Pad Set (hardware included)
• 2x Rear Disc Brake Rotor (both sides)
• 1x Rear Ceramic Brake Pad Set (hardware included)

Advantages:

• Extra-thick rotors
• Reinforced pad compounds
• Calipers built to handle heavy loads

The best brake kits brand options: TEC, Genius, CMX

[ADD LINK TO HEAVY DUTY BRAKE KITS CATEGORY]

5. Ceramic vs. Semi-Metallic Pad Kits

The primary difference in brake kits is often the pad material.

Here’s a quick comparison:

The Top-Rated Brake Kit Brands

At Parts Avenue, we pride ourselves on partnering with the top-rated brands for our brake kits. Most of our brake kits will feature parts from different manufacturers. This has no impact on quality. We hand select our brake kits to give our customers the best value for money but also performance for money.

Here are the top brake kit brands you’ll find on our website:

1. CMX

CMX is one of PartsAvenue’s leading brake kit brands, known for delivering high-quality complete systems at competitive prices.

Their kits often include rotors, pads, and even calipers — making them ideal for full replacements rather than partial repairs.

Why CMX stands out:

• Includes the option for full 10-piece kits, giving you rotors, calipers, ceramic pads, and hardware in one kit.
• Rust and corrosion resistant with coated rotors.
• Compatible with numerous vehicles.

Best for: Drivers looking for a reliable, all-in-one brake solution with balanced performance and value.

2. Top Quality

Top Quality focuses on dependable materials and OEM-level standards. These kits are designed for drivers who want consistent braking performance with minimal noise or dust buildup.

Most Top Quality kits feature premium-grade rotors and ceramic pads, but the cost is slightly higher.

Why Top Quality stands out:

• OEM-style replacement kits
• Smooth and quiet
• Designed for long pad life and reduced rotor wear
• Compatible with many North American vehicles

Best for: Daily drivers who value reliability and long-term performance over flashy features.

3. DS-One

DS-One kits are a strong option for drivers wanting enhanced stopping power and a sportier feel. Most DS-One kits include drilled and slotted rotors to improve heat dissipation and braking consistency. DS-One brake kits work especially well for aggressive or heavy-duty driving.

Why DS-One stands out:

• Drilled and slotted designs improve cooling and brake response
• Corrosion-resistant coatings ideal for Canadian winters
• Durable ceramic or semi-metallic pads reduce fade under stress
• Balanced for performance and longevity

Best for: Drivers who want more than standard brake kits, especially those driving heavier vehicles or who brake more frequently.

4. Ameribrakes

Ameribrakes is a popular brand provided by Parts Avenue that provides comfort and control. Ameribrakes brake kits are engineered to generate smooth, quiet, and predictable braking in all driving conditions. You get a clean, low-dust operation without sacrificing stopping power.

Why Ameribrakes stands out:

• Designed for reduced noise and vibration
• Great for urban or stop-and-go driving
• Coated rotors offer excellent protection against corrosion
• Perfect blend of comfort and safety

Best for: Family cars and commuters who prioritize quiet, dependable braking for everyday driving.

5. Positive Plus

Our customers love Positive Plus brake kits because of their affordability and reliability. They're definitely a smart choice for budget-conscious drivers.

Even though they're one of our more budget-friendly options, you still get solid performance. They maintain high manufacturing standards and compatibility with numerous vehicle makes and models.

Why Positive Plus stands out:

• Affordable without sacrificing safety
• Reliable braking performance in all weather conditions
• Available in front, rear, and full-axle kits
• Ideal for quick replacements or maintenance upgrades

Best for: Budget-friendly replacements and standard driving conditions.

6. TEC

TEC brake kits are popular for their durability and performance consistency. They're perfect for drivers who want dependable braking for heavier loads or longer commutes.

TEC kits are engineered for stability. Built using reinforced materials and well-machined rotors, they produce the reliable stopping power you need.

Why TEC stands out:

• Heavy-duty materials and precise rotor machining
• Available in coated and plain rotor options
• Designed to resist warping and brake fade
• Suitable for vehicles used in demanding conditions or long distances

Best for: Dependable, no-nonsense braking performance for work vehicles or frequent travel.

How to Choose The Correct Brake Kit

1. Confirm Compatibility

Always start with your vehicle year, make, and model.

At PartsAvenue, we have a fitment checker on our website to help you ensure parts match your car. Entering the year, make, and model means you get the correct rotor diameter, caliper type, and mounting hardware.

Tip: Don't forget the trim details. Even within your specific vehicle model, brake setups can differ by wheel size or optional packages.

2. Match Your Driving Style

• Daily commuting: Choose standard or ceramic kits for smooth, quiet braking.
• Performance driving: Select drilled, slotted, or big brake kits.
• Heavy use: We recommend semi-metallic pads and thicker rotors.
• Cold climates: Ceramic pads are the best for temperature variation.

3. Check for Coatings and Hardware

Coated rotors resist corrosion. If you know anything about Canadian winters, the road salt and constantly changing weather conditions accelerate rust.

Kits with hardware such as clips, pins, and shims simplify installation and help prevent brake noise.

4. Consider Warranty and Support

Reputable kits should include, at a minimum, a one-year warranty on parts and workmanship.

At Parts Avenue, all our brake kits online come with a one-year parts warranty as standard and customer service directly from Canada. You can read the full details of our warranty information through the link provided here.

5. Price vs. Quality

Everyday drivers don't need the most expensive brake kit. A mid-range coated rotor and ceramic pad kit often offers the best value for everyday drivers compared to a performance-specific kit.

Brake Kit Installation

We would always recommend that someone with experience install the brake kit. If that is you and you feel confident, then perfect. If not, you will still save money by buying the brake kit online and only paying for the labor of the installation through a mechanic.

Note: improper installation can lead to noise, vibration, or even safety hazards.

DIY if:

• You’ve replaced brakes before
• You have the proper tools and workspace
• You follow a detailed repair and installation manual or tutorial

Use a mechanic if:

• You’re unsure about torque specs
• You’re replacing calipers or lines
• You need brake fluid bleeding or ABS servicing

Read Transport Canada's Light Vehicle Brake Systems Guideline for vehicle safety inspection standards.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brake Kits

1. How long do brake kits last?

Looking at pads and rotors, most brake kits online last between 40,000 and 100,000 kilometers. The actual number depends on your driving style and driving frequency.

2. Are drilled and slotted rotors better?

Drilled and slotted rotors are better for cooling and aesthetics, but they aren't always necessary. We recommend buying them if you drive aggressively, tow, or value appearance.

3. Should I replace all four brakes at once?

Replacing all four ensures balanced braking performance and even wear. That said, if only one axle is worn, replacing front or rear brakes alone is fine. We advise that you ensure the parts match the remaining system.

5. Can I buy brake kits online safely?

Absolutely, from a trusted retailer like Parts Avenue. We provide fitment verification, fast and free Canadian shipping, and one-year warranty protection on every brake kit sold. There's also the option to return your brake kit within 30 days if you notice something wrong and the kit is unopened.

From standard ceramic kits to performance-ready drilled and slotted setups, buying brake kits online through Parts Avenue gives you access to quality parts, great prices, and the assurance that you’re covered by a Canadian company that stands behind its products.

If you need any help or advice, send us an email at support@partsavenue.ca. Start your search today with Parts Avenue, the most-trusted car parts provider in Canada.