The Basics of Performance Brakes and Rotors

When you’re on the track, having a car with strong, responsive braking capabilities is absolutely essential for performance and safety. Upgrading to high-performance brakes and ventilated rotors is one of the most impactful enhancements you can make. This upgrade transforms your regular brakes into serious stopping power ready to handle the needs of spirited driving. If you’re looking to significantly boost your car's braking performance, understanding the basics of performance brakes and rotors is the place to start. Read on to learn how they work, what to look for when upgrading, proper installation, and maintenance tips for upgraded braking components.

Brake and Rotor Functionality

Your vehicle's braking system is one of the most crucial components affecting performance and safety. The brakes and rotors work in tandem to slow and stop your car by creating friction against the wheel hubs. Gaining an understanding of how they function provides insight into upgrading these parts for enhanced braking power.

The brake pads consist of friction material mounted in a caliper or drum assembly. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure forces the pads to clamp against the surface of the rotor. This friction generates the stopping force that decelerates the wheels.

The rotors are metal discs attached to the wheel hubs that rotate along with the wheels. Rotors furnish a smooth, uniform braking surface for the pads to grab onto. Ventilated rotors have slots and holes to dissipate heat buildup caused by braking friction.

Upgraded performance brakes utilize advanced pad compounds and two-piece rotors to enable aggressive braking capability during high-performance driving situations. Larger diameter rotors multiply surface area for increased friction, while cross-drilled and slotted rotors boost cooling.

How to Choose the Right Brakes and Rotors

Selecting upgraded brakes and rotors entails getting equipment properly matched to your specific vehicle, wheels, tires, and driving style. Key factors to take into account include:

• Vehicle weight - Heftier cars and trucks need larger brakes to stop promptly and effectively. Checking manufacturer ratings provides useful guidelines.
• Wheel size - Larger diameter wheels open up space for fitting bigger brake kits and rotors. Upgrade accordingly to take advantage.
• Performance level - Ultra-aggressive pads and rotors are ideal for track days, not routine street use. Match to your needs.
• Driving conditions - Frequent cold weather or wet driving requires pad compounds engineered specifically for those environments.
• Rotor type - Drilled and slotted rotors are best suited to high-heat applications like auto racing.

Getting brakes and rotors engineered for your exact vehicle model ensures optimal fit, function, and safety. Consult technicians to match components to your needs. They can help you find the one that is right for you.

The Installation Process

Putting in new high-performance brakes and rotors requires the right tools, know-how, and attention to detail. Here are the basic steps in a typical brake upgrade install:

Raise the vehicle and remove the wheels for access. Detach the caliper assembly and disconnect the brake hydraulic line. Take off the old rotors and thoroughly clean the hub mounting surface. Bolt the new rotors on and attach them to the hub. Mount the new caliper assembly and reconnect the brake line. Insert the new performance brake pads and secure the caliper. Refill the brake fluid reservoir as required. Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle. Bed in the pads and rotors per manufacturer instructions.

For ideal results, have brakes installed by an experienced professional technician. Proper installation ensures maximized performance and safety. This is incredibly crucial for something as important as your brakes.

Select a Trusted Installer

Proper installation is just as important as the parts selected when it comes to performance brakes. The intricacies of fitting upgraded brakes and bleeding hydraulic systems require experience. Diagnosing and fixing any potential issues down the road also requires know-how.

Seek out a performance shop with specific expertise in brakes. Many top shops employ technicians certified by brake manufacturers. This demonstrates up-to-date knowledge of specific brake systems. Shops active in motor sports also tend to have the latest expertise. Taking your car to a trusted installer gives you peace of mind that your new brakes will be fitted for top safety and performance.

Maintenance Tips to Follow

Once new performance brakes and rotors are installed, adhere to these tips to keep them in peak operating condition:

Stay away from brake slamming, which glazes pads. Keep brakes free of grease, oil, and fluids that can cause slippage issues. Regularly check pad thickness and replace when worn to avoid metal-on-metal. Resurface or replace rotors when the thickness is too thin for safe braking. Flush out old brake fluid and replace it with fresh DOT fluid every 2 years. Listen for squealing or grinding noises indicating problems. Adjust caliper slides if they become stuck or frozen to maintain even pad wear.

By following the maintenance recommendations from your brake system maker, you'll get the best performance and longevity from upgraded components. This can save you time and money down the line. The manufacturer and your local expert can provide you with the best recommendations.

Consider Brake Cooling Requirements

The heat generated from aggressive braking can degrade pads and rotors over time. For high-performance driving, consider supplementary brake cooling upgrades to maintain optimal temperatures. Additional air ducts directed at the brakes provide targeted airflow for cooling. Brake air scoops mounted low in the bumper can force more air. Liquid brake cooling systems circulate fluid through the rotors. Evaluating cooling needs will help brakes perform at their best during repeated hard stops.

Choose the Right Pad Compound

Brake pads come in a range of friction compound formulas optimized for different needs. For street use, look for compounds with low dust, low noise, and good cold bite. Race pads use super grippy but harsh compounds. There are also towing compounds, low-metallic eco-pads, and more. Matching pad compound to your specific vehicle and needs ensures you get the right blend of performance, drivability, and durability. Consult experts and avoid attempting DIY solutions.

Consider Brake Upgrades When Lowering

Lowering vehicle ride height with lowered springs or coilovers can impact brake line fittings and caliper clearance. Dropping the suspension requires checking that brake lines have enough slack and don't overextend. Brake upgrades with relocating brackets may become necessary to optimize the caliper angle. Take ride height changes into account when planning brake upgrades so that everything fits and functions properly after lowering. Doing comprehensive brake upgrades along with suspension lowering makes sense since the wheels are already coming off. Upgrade brakes and suspension in tandem.

Confident Driving with Enhanced Braking

Equipping your car with high-performance brakes and rotors gives you that critical advantage when you need to decrease speed or stop rapidly. Matching parts engineered for your specific model provide ideal functionality. With proper installation and ongoing maintenance, upgraded brakes instill driving confidence knowing you can rely on superior stopping power in any situation. Feel the difference the performance brakes make from the first push of the pedal.

When you need performance brakes and rotors for your vehicle, SparkTec Motorsports can help. Call or email us to learn more about the various brake and rotor options we offer. We can help you select the ideal options for your vehicle based on your specific needs.