Welcome fellow auto enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the heart of your vehicle’s safety – the brakes.
We’ll be putting two giants, Centric and Duralast, head-to-head, dissecting their performance, quality, and pricing.
Join me on this thrilling journey as we explore the strengths, weaknesses, and everything in-between, to ultimately crown the king of automotive brake systems.
Buckle up!
Centric vs Duralast – Brand Comparison Table
| Centric | Duralast | |
| Country of Origin | United States | United States |
| Year Founded | 2000 | 1979 |
| Made In | mostly in United States, China | mostly in United States, China, Mexico |
| Founder | Dino Crescentini | Pitt Hyde |
| Parent | First Brand Group | AutoZone, Inc. |
| Overall Quality | reputable brand with respectable quality | great quality if you opt in for their Gold series |
Centric High Carbon OE Replacement vs Duralast Gold Brake 55097DG Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – High Carbon OE Replacement and Gold Brake 55097DG from both brands by various product specs & features, prices, warranty, durability, performance, stopping power and noise levels.
Here is a detailed comparison table showcasing what each brand has to offer:
| Centric | Duralast | |
| Series | High Carbon OE Replacement | Gold Brake 55097DG |
| Material | High Carbon | Iron Alloy |
| Coating | Electrocoating finish | Fully coated |
| Type | Vented | Vented |
| Durability | Proprietary high carbon alloy resists cracking and decreases pad squeal | Smooth stopping with no pedal pulsation and enhanced durability |
| Performance | Double disc ground finish, non-directional surface for better rotor and pad break-in, mill balanced for smooth braking | The high-carbon steel formulation effectively reduces noise and dissipates heat |
| Price | $33.00 – $1,163.00 | $106.99 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 90 days or for 3,000 miles of use | 3-year, full-replacement warranty |
| Stopping Power Rating (More Stars = More Stopping Power) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Noise Levels Rating (Fewer Stars = Less Noise) | ⭐ | ⭐ |
| Performance Over Stock Rating (More Stars = More Performance) | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Centric Posi-Quiet 105 Ceramic vs Duralast Elite Copper Free Ceramic Brake Pads Comparison
In the following section, I’m going to compare the most renowned Brake Pads series from both brands by various product specs & features, prices, warranty, performance, stopping power, brake dust accumulation and noise levels.
Here is a detailed comparison table showcasing what each brand has to offer:
| Centric | Duralast | |
| Series | Posi-Quiet 105 Ceramic | Elite Copper Free Ceramic |
| Material | Ceramic | Ceramic |
| Performance | Centric Posi-Quiet 105 Ceramic Brake Pads are engineered with low dust formulation, promoting cleaner wheels and brakes for a neater appearance. They are 100% scorched during manufacturing, ensuring easy bed-in for quicker and efficient use. | These next-generation pads are designed to last up to three times longer, ensuring exceptional durability for your vehicle. The patented transfer layer technology safeguards both the brake pads and rotors, minimizing wear and tear. |
| Price | $23.00 – $133.00 | $38.99 – $81.49 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 90 days or for 3,000 miles of use | Limited-Lifetime |
| Dust Levels Rating (Fewer Stars = Less Dust) | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
| Stopping Power Rating (More Stars = More Stopping Power) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Noise Levels Rating (Fewer Stars = Less Noise) | ⭐ | ⭐ |
| Performance Over Stock Rating (More Stars = More Performance) | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Differences
1. Overall Performance and Quality
Here’s a straightforward comparison of the performance and quality of Centric and Duralast brake parts:
Centric
- According to customer reviews, Centric brake parts are generally well-received, with their Posi Quiets earning numerous positive remarks.
- They’re a recommended brand on various Reddit threads discussing brake parts, standing alongside other reputable brands like Raybestos and Wagner.
- Some users claimed to have upgraded their brake system with Centric rotors and had no issues, even stating that these parts were cheaper than the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) alternatives.
- Centric coated rotors are also praised for their resistance to warping and corrosion.
Duralast
- Duralast’s performance seems to be more mixed according to user feedback. While some find their brake parts suitable for daily use, others favor brands like Centric or Powerstop.
- The Duralast Gold ceramic brake pads received some positive feedback, with one user noting their smooth and fast operation at a reasonable price.
- Despite the mixed reviews, some users on Reddit expressed satisfaction with Duralast brakes and rotors.
- However, there were criticisms as well, such as a user’s report of their Duralast Gold rotors and pads squealing when coming to a stop.
In summary, both brands have their merits and drawbacks. It seems Centric is often praised for its quality and value, while Duralast has a more varied reception.
2. Rotors and Brake Pads Prices
I’ve gathered some interesting information regarding the brake rotor prices for both brands. You can take a look at them in the table below:
| Centric Rotors Prices⁽¹⁾ | Duralast Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Centric C-Tek™ Standard Solid Rear Brake Rotor goes for $13.22 | Duralast Brake Rotor 31263 goes from $22.99 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Centric SportStop Drilled 1-Piece Rear Driver Side Brake Rotor goes for $1,234.22 | Duralast Brake Rotor 70172DL goes for $1001.99 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for Centric and Duralast below:
| Centric Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | Duralast Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Centric C-Tek Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go from $9.50 | Duralast Ceramic Brake Pads D223 go from $15.49 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Centric Formula 100 Series OEM Semi-Metallic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $253.80 | Duralast Gold Ceramic Brake Pads DG1897 go for $162.99 |
3. Pros and Cons
In this section, I’ve tried to showcase the most noticeable advantages and disadvantages for these two experts in brakes.
Centric
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Reputable brand in the brake system category | ❌ Some users find that Centric rotors do not provide great bite compared to OEM rotors |
| ✔ Centric offers a range of brake pad options, including ceramic and semi-metallic | |
| ✔ Positive user reviews |
Duralast
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Good for daily use | ❌ Users report that Duralast Gold brake pads may produce more brake dust than other models |
| ✔ Affordable | |
| ✔ All Auto Zone (Duralast Brand) brake pads have a limited lifetime warranty |
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Considering all the feedback and factors, I believe Centric is the better pick overall.
This is due to its more consistently positive customer reviews, choice of brake pad options, and reputation in the brake system category.
Although Duralast offers affordability and a warranty, its mixed reviews and issues such as producing more brake dust tilt the balance in favor of Centric.
