How can I tell if brake pads are good quality?

Inspect the friction formula and temperature rating, a flat rigid backing plate, multi-layer noise shims, chamfers and slots, valid IATF 16949 / ECE R90 certification, batch traceability and consistent finish across the whole set.

Are ceramic brake pads better?

Ceramic pads run quieter with less dust and are excellent for everyday passenger cars. Low-metallic and semi-metallic compounds offer stronger bite or heat resistance for heavier or performance use, so the best choice depends on the application.

Why do cheap brake pads squeal?

Cheap pads usually omit damping shims and edge chamfers and use inconsistent friction material, which lets the pad vibrate against the caliper at audible frequencies once it heats up.

How to Judge the Quality of Brake Pads: A Buyer Checklist