It’s easy to be intimidated by the prospect of upgrading your vehicle’s braking system. The following brake purchase guidelines, however, make the process a breeze. Our user guidelines will put you in the correct way if you’re confused about which add-ons to purchase. Looking to install beefy braking mods but not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered with an easy-to-follow installation instructions that will have your car going in no time. If you’re interested in learning the inner workings of brake components, we even offer in-depth technical publications on the subject.
Just commuting from here to there
Put on the brakes, buddy, you’re going too fast. Rotor replacement is unnecessary if you’re only using them for transportation purposes. However, after you pack your vehicle full of people and goods, you may find that your brakes grow hot and stinky on the drive back from the mountains. If that’s the case, you should have drilled rotors for your vehicle. However, if you’re simply looking for something to get you from A to B, high-quality conventional rotors should do the trick.
Towing
Add a couple tons to the weight of your vehicle and the brakes will become very hot, very quickly. Slotted or drilled rotors disperse heat well, allowing for consistent braking even on the steepest of grades.
Public displays of talent
Accessories that increase your vehicle’s power make your street terror even more terrifying when it’s time to halt. With slotted or drilled rotors, your vehicle’s braking system will stay cool even during the most intense street driving.
Does racing count?
If you like watching racing on TV, you’ve probably seen the red-hot brake rotors as the drivers try to rein in the car’s immense horsepower and velocity. These vehicles rely on larger-than-stock rotors with unique slotting and drilling patterns to increase braking force while reducing brake heat to dangerous levels. Two-piece rotors are more expensive but provide increased thermal capacity and reduced weight.
Obtaining high-quality stopping devices
Imagine squishing a massive metal doughnut between your thumb and index finger. Since rotors are subjected to a great deal of stress, they should be replaced when they begin to show indications of wear.
When do brake discs need to be replaced, and how do you know? Vibration is common during moderate to high speed braking, with lower speeds indicating more advanced damage and higher speeds indicating less severe warping.
In general, there are two categories of brake rotors
Commonly made of sturdy iron, conventional appliances are well-suited for standard use in the home. These rotors have been drilled with holes drilled all the way through them to help disperse the heat. These are top-notch performers in towing and other performance-based settings. However, as mud tends to block the holes in drilled discs, they aren’t the best choice for off-roading.
Slotted discs have channels cut into them that help dissipate some heat and keep the brake pads clean. The metal is not completely grooved through. Slotted rotors may serve the same functions as drilled rotors in most cases.
In conclusion
When you use the brakes, the rotors in your automobile are sandwiched between pads and subjected to extreme pressure. These rotors wear out from friction and need to be changed at some point for every vehicle. Finding the right rotors for your vehicle and driving style will lessen the frequency with which that happens. Therefore, we compiled this How to Shop for Brake Rotors guide to help you get the most out of your brakes and the least out of your wallet by directing you to exactly what your vehicle requires.