Brake Pads and Rotors Buying Guide for 2014 Nissan Altima

Your Altima’s brakes are a key part of its safe operation on the road. Depending on your driving habits, you should typically replace your pads every 35,000 to 40,000 miles and your rotors every 70,000 miles. Naturally, you want to extend their lifespan as much as possible. Choosing the best braking components is one key to get better quality and use. But with so many options on the market, how do you pick the best ones? This short primer explains both pads and rotors plus how to get the best value for your money.

What Brake Pads Do You Need?

If you’ve already done some shopping, you may have noticed high-performance brake pads made from ferro-carbon or para-aramid compounds. While these are designed for racing, you can find Nissan Altima brake pads that deliver just as solid performance on the daily commute. The key is knowing how, where and when you drive.

Most brake pads contain either organic, semi-metallic or ceramic. Organic pads typically combine rubber, carbon or glass combined with a natural resin. Semi-metallic pads blend iron, copper, steel or metal alloys with graphite lubricant. Ceramic pads mix ceramic particles with slender copper threads.

Traditionally, organic pads have been the least expensive option. They produce less dust and noise but can’t handle extremely high temperatures. Semi-metallic pads typically generate more noise and dust, but they conduct heat better than organic pads. They’re better at handling aggressive braking. And new innovations are improving their performance. Many 2014 Nissan Datsun Altima brake pads from Duralast, for instance, use both organic and semi-metallic formulations and add corrosion-resistant powder-coated backing plates. Some also include single-layer steel shims to cut down on noise.

Ceramic pads are usually more expensive than their organic and semi-metallic cousins. However, they offer some unique benefits. Ceramic generates far less dust and little to no noise. Some varieties double down on these benefits. Duralast Gold brake pads, for instance, include multilayered rubber core steel shims to dampen noise even further. They also incorporate a protective coating that safeguards against corrosion. While brake pads can range between $25 and $70 per box, you can easily find ceramic pads in the $40 – $60 range.

How Much Do New Rotors Cost?

Brake rotors are another important part of the equation. Like pads, rotors come in different material formulations to achieve certain performance goals. Duralast brake rotors feature a high-strength alloy that resists stopping, plus precision engineering to cut down on noise. Meanwhile, Duralast Gold brake rotors use a high-carbon formulation that disperses heat – and as a side bonus, it also reduces noises. Dispersed heat means longer-lasting rotors. And a rust-resistant coating also extends your rotors’ useful lifespan. Rotors can vary widely in price, but you can easily find replacements between $40 and $70 each.

Every time you press your brake pedal, you count on your vehicle to stop. High-quality pads and rotors help ensure that you have that safe stopping power. Your search for “brake rotors near me” should lead you to a reputable auto parts dealer. With your driving needs in mind, you can easily select the best brake pads and rotors for your 2014 Nissan Altima.