Brake pads Carbotech or OEM Volkswagen
When I traded our ‘17 Gsw with 191k mi. it still had original brakes all around. We try to be easy on the brakes, coast down to 40 or so if possible before using brakes at stop signs.
I made it to 240k on my ‘19 before I had to change the fronts. I still have 6/32 on the rear pads at 255k now too. The factory pads are crazy good
Especially if you've got a 2019+ Mk7.5, stock Performance Pack brakes will be plenty. That's what I brought to the Dragon. Just make sure your brake fluid is good and you're not due for new pads and rotors for a bit.
1.4 auto is a good box. Will be nippy but get the brakes checked and renewed if necessary.
I had the same problem with my c8 z51, I switched to the Carbotech 1521 pads and they solved the problem. Would definitely recommend
I had an issue with severe brake dust from the OEM pads on my Z06 Corvette. I replaced the pads with Carbotech 1521s and the dust was eliminated. Made a huge difference with keeping the wheels clean and the pads preformed better.
When I traded in my 2018 Jetta at just under 90k miles it still had the original front pads and rotors, but the rear brakes needed to be done at 60k miles, and then within my last year of ownership one of the rear calipers seized and needed to be replaced.
My only issue is squeaky brakes on reverse. The dealership told me to do some hard braking when they get squeaky, and that actually helps.
I think their break pads are not lasting long. On my 1.5 DSG Kushaq I’m also not getting the break bite which I used to get and they make screeching sounds when are applied, considering the car has only done 17k km till now.
I also have squealing brakes when they are cold and reversing. When they're done, I'll have them replaced with good aftermarket brakes.
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Which brake pads to choose — Carbotech or OEM Volkswagen?
If choosing brake pads across many manufacturers, check the part ranking. If your choice is down to two brands, the PartReview part comparisons help.
We compare brake pads across these categories:
- PR Score.
- Overall ranking.
- Vote balance.
- Average rating.
- Number of reviews.
- Feature ratings.
- Car owners’ choice.
Which brake pads are better — OEM Volkswagen or Carbotech?
In March 2026 on PartReview, brake pads Carbotech were overall better than OEM Volkswagen.
- Carbotech received a PR Score of 91 out of 100, and OEM Volkswagen scored 63 points.
- Carbotech ranked 8 in the overall ranking, and OEM Volkswagen ranked 25.
- The average rating is higher for Carbotech (4.2) than for OEM Volkswagen (3.5).
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Brake pads Carbotech have better feature ratings than OEM Volkswagen:
- Braking - owners believe, that this property for Carbotech is better than OEM Volkswagen.
- Dust - drivers claim, that this property for Carbotech is outperforms OEM Volkswagen.
- Noise - reviews suggest, that this property for Carbotech is preferred to OEM Volkswagen.
Which brake pads are more popular — Carbotech or OEM Volkswagen?
Brake pads Carbotech and OEM Volkswagen were equally popular according to data in March 2026.
By vote balance, brake pads Carbotech surpassed OEM Volkswagen:
- For Carbotech, the ratio of positive (274) to negative (25) votes is 249 votes.
- For OEM Volkswagen, the ratio of positive (309) to negative (180) votes is 129 votes.
By number of reviews, brake pads OEM Volkswagen surpassed Carbotech:
- For brake pads Carbotech there are 97 reviews: 86 positive, 8 neutral, 3 negative.
- For brake pads OEM Volkswagen there are 154 reviews: 85 positive, 27 neutral, 42 negative.
Which brake pads do car owners prefer — Carbotech or OEM Volkswagen?
In March 2026, according to PartReview, brake pads Carbotech led more car-specific ratings than OEM Volkswagen:
Carbotech are chosen by owners of cars such as: BMW M2, Chevrolet Corvette, Honda S2000, and others.
OEM Volkswagen are chosen by owners of cars such as: Volkswagen Corrado, Volkswagen Phaeton, and others.
Other comparisons of brake pads
If this comparison didn’t fully answer your question, there are many others on PartReview.
For example, comparisons of brake pads Carbotech with: EBC, POWER STOP, Akebono, Hawk Performance, Brembo, Ferodo, Bosch, STOPTECH, Mintex, Raybestos.
Also available: comparisons of brake pads OEM Volkswagen with: EBC, POWER STOP, Akebono, Hawk Performance, Brembo, Ferodo, Bosch, STOPTECH, Mintex, Raybestos.
You can also see who is better among other brake pads manufacturers: EBC or POWER STOP, EBC or Akebono, EBC or Hawk Performance, Brembo or EBC, Akebono or POWER STOP.