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Brake Upgrades: How to Choose the Right Performance Brakes

Getting brake upgrades will enhance your safety, improve your performance and reduce brake wear. You will experience a new level of confidence and control on the road. You’ll know that your vehicle’s braking system works at peak efficiency.

Read through this blog post and know more about how to ensure your vehicle’s braking system receives the utmost care and attention.

Types of Brake Upgrades

Several brake upgrades enhance the efficiency of your vehicle’s braking system. These upgrades ensure better performance, increased stopping power, and reduced brake fade.

Performance Brake Pads

Performance brake pads use advanced friction materials to deliver superior braking capabilities, unlike OEM brake pads. The performance brake pads help improve friction resulting in shorter stopping distances and better overall braking performance.

Performance brake pads use noise-reduction technology which helps eliminate annoying brake squeals. What’s more, this type of pad also offers an extended lifespan compared to a standard pad.

Rotors

Your brake upgrades may involve upgrading your brake rotors. For this, you have three main options. These are slotted, drilled, and vented. Each of these choices has distinct advantages. For example, slotted rotors have grooves that help improve heat dissipation, reduce brake fade, and prevent brake dust and debris buildup.

Drilled rotors have holes that aid in heat dispersal and reduce weight. However, drilled rotors can be more prone to cracking under heavy use.

Vented rotors have a center air gap between the rotor faces which helps increase airflow to dissipate heat effectively.

Calipers

Your assigned automotive expert can suggest upgrading your calipers to high-performing ones. This type of upgrade will ensure that you have enhanced brake modulation, which will help provide precise control over the braking force.

You will also be able to increase piston size, which will help generate higher clamping force for improved stopping power. What’s more, a high-performing caliper will also help manage heat effectively as an upgraded caliper is designed with better materials. This also helps reduce the risk of brake fade.

Brake Lines

While the brake lines are often overlooked, they are important in transmitting hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder to the calipers. Brakes upgrades that involve upgrading a brake line will help improve brake response, as stainless steel braided lines have minimal expansion under pressure. Your vehicle will also experience consistent brake performance as steel braided lines don’t absorb brake fluid.

Signs You Need Brake Upgrades

Here are signs to look out for that may indicate the need for brake upgrades:

Close-up of Mechanic installing brake upgrades

Reduced Braking Performance If your vehicle takes longer to stop, experiences excessive brake fade, or shows difficulty braking smoothly, it may be time for an upgrade.
Noisy Brakes Squealing, grinding, or other unusual noises when applying the brakes indicate worn-out brake components that need an upgrade.
Vibration or Pulsation If your steering wheel or brake pedal vibrates when braking, it could be due to warped rotors or other brake-related issues.
Visible Wear Visible signs of wear, such as uneven surface texture, thin brake pad thickness, or deep grooves on the rotor surface, means you need to do an upgrade.

How to Choose the Right Brake Upgrades

Choose your vehicle’s brake upgrade based on level of damage. Also consider your driving habits, how you use the vehicle, and your budget. Aside from these, here are three solid pointers to help you make an informed decision.

Assess Your Needs: Are you seeking better performance on the track, improved braking for towing, or enhanced safety during daily driving?

Seek Expert Advice: Consult with experts to get personalized recommendations based on your vehicle’s make and model.

Consider Upgrade Kits: Consider buying an upgrade kit with all the necessary components matched for optimal performance.

Conclusion

Upgrading your brakes enhances your vehicle’s safety and performance. For expert advice and installation, consult a brake specialist today

FAQs

Brake upgrades are worth it. Upgrading your brakes will enhance your vehicle safety, performance, and overall driving experience. It will allow you to improve stopping power, better heat dissipation, and reduce brake fade.

Bigger brakes provide more nuanced stopping power. To achieve this, you will need a bigger brake kit for your vehicle braking system.

Yes, brake cleaners can help improve brake performance. A brake cleaner removes brake dust and dirt, which helps restore friction between the brake and the clutch.

It is not advisable to replace your front brake only as this can decrease your braking performance. Instead, consider upgrading all your brakes at the same time.

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