If you hear metal to metal, you may need the rotor/drum turned.
And pads are going to be about the same almost anywhere. You dont need carbon ceramics, but do get at least one step above the least expensive.
But that is a may, it is most likely just the wear indicator hitting the rotor, its made to be annoying
But if you let it go you will eventually be hitting rotor. Then you have two choices: have the rotors turned when they are pulled or get new rotors. I'd go for new rotors because what you pay to have them turned vs new rotors just isn't worth the difference.
Depends on the car and or the shop turning the rotors...
New rotors would cost me about 120 for the front but turning the rotors would only cost about 30-40 bucks for both.
FYI I still have the stock rotors on my car from 04 and they are still within spec
Why do people ask about “Best/Cheap brakes”? :shrug:
Don’t spend any money on something that might save your life or some un-known stranger’s life that just happens to be in front of you when your cheap brake pads pay you back.
After all do you want the best brakes or cheap brakes???
One other brand I have used, but I dont think you can get locally is Centric, and right now I'm using a set from Satisfied Motorsports, and they do have a "normal street car" level of pads too.