If you have ordered brake pads online, you are not alone. In terms of dollars spent on automotive replacement parts through online purchasing, or e-tailing, three categories represent half of the dollar volume in 2013, according to E-Tailing in the Automotive Aftermarket from the Auto Care Association. The top three product categories are braking systems (primarily pads and shoes); ignition and engine (fuel pumps, alternators, ignition coils, etc.); and glass, mirrors and lamps.

The new E-Tailing in the Automotive Aftermarket digital study analyzes the online retail market for sales of aftermarket parts, and serves as the foundation for the Auto Care Association to provide a unified estimate of online sales within the aftermarket.

I will confess that I have purchased brake pads online. Typically I do this to find a brand that I want to install. Shipping is a problem and often destroys the savings of shopping online when compared to a normal parts store. Often a parts store will not charge you for shipping if they have to order the part.

Where do you buy your brake pads? Amazon? Tire Rack? Rock Auto?