Vehicle maintenance can be costly and nowadays we need to save money any way that we can. This may have you wondering if you should pay the extra expense for performance brakes and rotors the next time you need to update your braking system. The wrong choice can mean the difference between arriving safely or not at all.
Although OEM brake parts are required to meet certain safety specifications, performance pads and rotors offer:
- A longer life expectancy
- Less brake dust and squeaking
- Work the same regardless of the temperature of the brake pad
- A smoother drive
To learn more about why using performance brakes and rotors can benefit your ride continue reading.
Which Performance Parts are Best for Your Vehicle and Budget?
Proper vehicle maintenance is not only essential to its operation and performance but a vital part of keeping its passengers safe.
As mentioned previously, all OEM (original equipment manufacturer) brake pads and rotors must meet certain safety standards, but just because they are deemed safe does not mean that they are the best choice for your vehicle.
Some things to consider when deciding which parts to use are:
- Do they come with a lifetime warranty?
- Does the vehicle take long journeys or spend a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic?
- How often is the vehicle driven?
- What is the difference in price between performance parts and OEM parts?
- What is the life expectancy of the different parts?
- What kind of driver are you; do you tend to wait until the last minute to apply the brakes or do you give yourself plenty of time to stop?
Answering these questions can be helpful in determining if you should spend the extra cash for performance parts or stay with a less costly option. Prices will vary depending upon your geographic location and whether or not you do the work yourself or hire a mechanic.
To get the best price it can be invaluable to call multiple automotive vendors or mechanics before making a decision. If your vehicle sees a lot of miles it is a good idea to opt for performance brake parts.
Benefits of Using Performance Parts Versus OEM Parts
While there is nothing wrong with OEM parts it can be beneficial to the operation and safety of your vehicle to bear the extra expense of performance brakes and rotors; this section will tell you why.
Cleaner and Quieter Ride
Brakes and rotors designed to be high-performance offer a cleaner ride by producing less brake dust which can leave your rims looking less than stellar. With less dust and debris coming between the brake pad and rotor you will be able to enjoy a much quieter ride as well.
High-Performance Rotors Better When Wet
Water can cause big problems when you need to stop quickly. With stock rotors, water can become trapped between the pad and rotor causing them to slip. Performance rotors are generally designed with holes, slots, or divots all over the surface.
These holes or indentations are meant to reduce the weight of the rotor as well as divert water and other debris from coming into contact with the brake pad. This is helpful when it’s wet outside because the water can escape which allows the pad to dry faster and work more efficiently.
Longer Lifespan with Less Wear
Typically performance brakes and rotors are made with higher quality materials to ensure that you get the most life out of your brakes and overall better performance when you need it the most.
No Sticking When Things Get Hot
The more you drive the more the temperature around the brake assembly will rise. Oftentimes with stock brake pads, you will experience some sticking when the pads become too hot. This can affect how quickly and smoothly you are able to stop.
Using performance brake pads and rotors can reduce the temperature and ensure that you are able to stop promptly and smoothly each time you hit the brake pedal.
Performance Brakes and Rotors Can Keep You Stopping Longer
As you can see, there is nothing wrong with using stock brakes and rotors for your vehicle, but it does pay off in the long run if you can afford the extra dough to opt for the high-performance options. Spending a little more money initially can save you in the long run and keep you confident that you will be able to stop whenever you need to without worry.