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 did my own brakes, sorta with and without the special tool. My conclusion is that the tool is not strictly needed.
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.
Only issues have been the insanely squeaky brakes, the sound quality on the speakers in the cold and crappy wipers.
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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:
In March 2026 on PartReview, brake pads Hella Pagid were overall better than OEM Volkswagen.
In March 2026 on PartReview, brake pads OEM Volkswagen were overall more popular than Hella Pagid.
By vote balance, brake pads OEM Volkswagen surpassed Hella Pagid:
By number of reviews, brake pads OEM Volkswagen surpassed Hella Pagid:
In March 2026, according to PartReview, brake pads OEM Volkswagen led more car-specific ratings than Hella Pagid:
OEM Volkswagen are chosen by owners of cars such as: Volkswagen Corrado, Volkswagen Phaeton, and others.
Hella Pagid are chosen by owners of cars such as: Suzuki Swift, and others.
If this comparison didn’t fully answer your question, there are many others on PartReview.
For example, comparisons of brake pads Hella Pagid with: EBC, POWER STOP, Akebono, Hawk Performance, Brembo, Ferodo, Bosch, STOPTECH, Carbotech, Mintex.
Also available: comparisons of brake pads OEM Volkswagen with: EBC, POWER STOP, Akebono, Hawk Performance, Brembo, Ferodo, Bosch, STOPTECH, Carbotech, Mintex.
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.
