If you’re in the market for reliable, budget-friendly brake pads that can easily replace your current set without compromising on quality, the PowerStop Z17 is a great choice.
Right from the first time I installed these, it felt like my vehicle had undergone a significant upgrade. These brake pads provide a perfect balance of stopping power and comfort, all while keeping my wheels looking clean.
Let me walk you through my experience, some pros and cons, maintenance tips, and even compare it to other brands to help you decide if the PowerStop Z17 brake pads are right for you.
First Impressions of PowerStop Z17 Brake Pads
Let me tell you what first struck me about the PowerStop Z17.
I was initially attracted to the brand due to its promise of a low-dust formula ceramic brake pad.
If you’ve ever dealt with brake pads that left your wheels perpetually dirty, you’ll understand my enthusiasm.
No one likes to see their sleek wheels coated in black dust, and this low-dust feature delivered well.
Beyond the appearance, I could feel an immediate improvement in my braking efficiency – all without that annoying squeak that I’d grown to dread with other brands.
These Z17 Ceramic Brake Pads come with thermal-scorched surfaces for a faster break-in. I found that the break-in process was noticeably shorter compared to my old pads, and the chamfered and slotted design ensured that noise wasn’t an issue.
As someone who commutes daily and deals with city traffic, I genuinely appreciated how silent these pads were. The improved stopping power, coupled with noise-free braking, really made my drives much more enjoyable.
My Experience With PowerStop Z17 Brake Pads Installation
Now, I’m no mechanic, but I have enough experience under my belt to replace brake pads on my own. Installing the PowerStop Z17 brake pads was a straightforward process.
These pads include a premium hardware kit, which made installation a breeze – even for someone like me. Everything matched perfectly, and there were no moments of frustration trying to make parts fit.
One thing I’d recommend if you’re installing these yourself: take your time with the break-in procedure. PowerStop advertises a shorter break-in time, and it’s true – but make sure you give them those few key stops to settle in nicely.
I was surprised at how quickly the performance came together; just a few stops, and I could already feel the difference.
Pros of PowerStop Z17 Brake Pads
- Low Dust Formula: This was perhaps my favorite feature. No one likes their sparkling rims covered in black grime, and the Z17’s low-dust ceramic composition genuinely lives up to its claim. Even after several hundred miles, my wheels still looked clean.
- Affordable Price: Let’s talk cost. Compared to some ceramic pads available at local auto parts stores, these are significantly more affordable. In my case, they were about half the price of what I’d find locally, which was a huge win.
- Quiet Braking: I’ve had experiences with brakes that make my car sound like a school bus – definitely not fun. The Z17 brake pads are super quiet thanks to their chamfered and slotted design and dual active rubber shims, which I noticed reduced noise significantly.
- Thermal-Scorched Surface for Faster Break-In: The pads’ thermal-scorched surfaces made the break-in period relatively short. For anyone who hates the tedious break-in process, this is a real plus.
- Stainless Steel Hardware: The inclusion of stainless-steel hardware means you don’t need to go searching for compatible parts during installation. The convenience here can’t be overstated.
- Improved Stopping Power: I found these pads to provide excellent stopping power, ideal for everyday driving situations – especially during my frequent commutes in city traffic.
Cons of PowerStop Z17 Brake Pads
- Not Suitable for Aggressive Driving or Track Use: These are not the pads to take to a racetrack or use if you’re an aggressive driver. The stopping power is great for regular use, but if you’re constantly pushing your vehicle to its limits, you might want to look elsewhere.
- May Not Fit All Vehicles: While these pads are vehicle-specific, always make sure to double-check compatibility. The “Amazon Confirmed Fit” feature can help, but be mindful of any notes that pop up.
- Break-In Still Required: While the break-in is shorter, it’s still there. This isn’t exactly a “con” per se, but if you were hoping to skip it altogether, you’ll be disappointed.
How To Get The Most Out of PowerStop Z17 Brake Pads?
To maximize the performance and longevity of your PowerStop Z17 brake pads, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind.
- Proper Break-In Procedure: While the Z17s have a thermal-scorched surface to speed up the break-in process, it’s still crucial to do it properly. The break-in process involves gradually heating up the pads with a series of light-to-moderate stops. I typically did about 5 to 6 moderate stops from 40 to 10 mph, and it helped in ensuring a smooth bedding.
- Clean Your Wheels Regularly: Despite the low-dust formula, some dust is inevitable. Keeping your wheels clean ensures that any dust doesn’t build up or damage the finish. I recommend giving your wheels a quick clean every couple of weeks, especially during winter when road salt is prevalent.
- Avoid Aggressive Braking: Unless absolutely necessary, try to avoid slamming on your brakes. These brake pads are designed for regular driving, and consistent aggressive braking can lead to faster wear. Being smooth with your braking will also ensure a longer lifespan for the pads.
- Routine Inspections: I make it a point to inspect my brake pads and rotors every 5,000 miles or so. Look for uneven wear or anything that seems off. It’s always better to catch issues early.
Comparing PowerStop Z17 With Competitors
- PowerStop Z17 Vs. BrakeBest Brake Pads
When comparing PowerStop Z17 to BrakeBest brake pads, a few things stand out.
BrakeBest is a solid option for those who need a quick replacement without any frills.
However, I found that BrakeBest pads tend to produce significantly more dust compared to the PowerStop Z17.
If you’re someone who values clean wheels, PowerStop takes the lead.
Additionally, the Z17’s ceramic formulation ensures better longevity, while BrakeBest pads lean more towards affordability but compromise on lifespan and overall braking comfort.
In terms of noise, the Z17 pads also perform better, offering a quieter experience due to their chamfered and slotted design, which isn’t always present in BrakeBest products.
- PowerStop Z17 Vs. Dynamic Friction Brake Pads
Dynamic Friction brake pads are known for their strong stopping power and quality build, much like PowerStop Z17.
However, Dynamic Friction pads tend to be a bit more aggressive, which means they may wear down a little faster, especially with heavy use.
The PowerStop Z17 pads are designed more for everyday comfort and less for high-performance scenarios, making them ideal for city driving.
One area where PowerStop Z17 truly shines compared to Dynamic Friction is noise reduction.
I experienced virtually no brake squeal with the Z17, while Dynamic Friction pads, despite their performance capabilities, produced some noise during aggressive braking. Moreover, the Z17’s low-dust ceramic composition keeps your wheels looking cleaner compared to the semi-metallic options often found with Dynamic Friction.
- PowerStop Z17 Vs. Akebono Brake Pads
Akebono brake pads are often considered one of the gold standards when it comes to braking performance and comfort, so comparing them to PowerStop Z17 is quite interesting. Akebono pads provide a smoother initial bite and are exceptionally quiet, which is very similar to what I found with the Z17.
However, Akebono tends to be more expensive, which might be a dealbreaker for budget-conscious drivers. In terms of dust production, both brands perform admirably, but I found that Akebono pads produce slightly less dust over time.
That said, the Z17 pads come in at a much lower price point, which gives them an edge for those who want similar performance without the premium price tag. If budget wasn’t a concern, Akebono might be worth the extra investment, but for me, the Z17 pads provided excellent value for their cost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The PowerStop Z17 brake pads typically last between 30,000 to 50,000 miles, depending on your driving style and conditions. Regular maintenance, proper break-in, and avoiding aggressive braking can help maximize their lifespan.
It depends on what you’re looking for. PowerStop Z17 brake pads offer a cleaner ride with less dust, quieter performance, and a more budget-friendly price compared to many OEM pads. However, OEM pads may have a slight edge in aggressive braking scenarios since they’re tailored for specific vehicle performance.
If you’re an everyday driver, PowerStop Z17 is a more practical option due to its low dust and quieter operation. Brembo, on the other hand, excels in performance settings such as track days and aggressive driving but requires more maintenance and tends to produce more noise and dust.
The main differences are the thermal-scorched surface and chamfered/slotted design of the Z17, which allow for faster break-in and quieter braking compared to the Z16. The Z17 is also designed with improved stopping power for everyday driving.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the PowerStop Z17 brake pads are an excellent choice if you want a budget-friendly, clean, and comfortable brake pad option for daily use. They strike a great balance between performance, cleanliness, and price.
I’ve enjoyed the quiet, smooth, and easy-to-install experience they provide, and I think you will too. So, if you’re ready to give your ride an upgrade without breaking the bank, the PowerStop Z17 is definitely worth considering.
