The Pros And Cons Of 4 Common Types Of Brake Rotors - Contact Us Today - The Best Vehicle Service in Albuquerque (2024)

FAQs

What type of brake rotors are the best? ›

Choosing the right brake rotor type depends on your driving style, vehicle type, and performance expectations. For everyday driving, blank/smooth rotors may be the best choice, while slotted, drilled, or drilled and slotted rotors are more suitable for high-performance or heavy-duty applications.

The Pros Of Using Vented Rotors

Longevity: Vented rotors generally last longer than solid rotors. They're also less prone to cracking related to heat build up. Minimal brake pad wear: Smooth surfaces minimize brake pad wear. So vented rotors don't wear out brake pads as fast as slotted and drilled rotors.

Quality can vary greatly amongst economy brake rotors, and there is no way to tell how well a rotor will perform based on the way it looks. Because of the mix of metal materials, economy rotors often have hard spots that can create warping or pedal pulsation problems as the rotors wear.

All rotors do not have to be replaced at the same time. Measure the width of each brake rotor and inspect the inside and outside surfaces to determine if they need replacing.

Genuine OEM parts typically offer better reliability, warranties and fitment than aftermarket parts. On the other hand, you have more variety with aftermarket or third-party auto parts, and they may even perform better than OEM components when towing large loads or racing.

Blank Rotors are the best choice for normal daily driving in standard terrains and consistent weather conditions. On the contrary, blank rotors are also the best choice when doing extremely aggressive driving such as racing.

Given the choice between drill holes and slots, the drill holes will give you better braking power over slots for normal city/highway driving. This is why high end BMW, Porsche, Corvette, and Mercedes rotors are drilled, not slotted. However, for track racing (high speed stops), slotted rotors are the better choice.

Properly maintaining uncoated brake rotors typically requires brake cleaner, whereas coated rotors don't need any special cleaner. If you want to optimize your braking performance and don't mind spending a little extra for higher-quality parts that stand up to harsh weather, coated rotors are the way to go.

Drilled and slotted rotors wear faster than other types of brake rotors and may also shorten the life of brake pads.

Is it okay to buy cheap rotors? ›

Another reason why you don't want to use cheap brake pads and rotors is because the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is programmed to have a certain amount of braking force and the computers know when the brakes are cold or hot.

The answer to that question depends on what you want to accomplish. If you're replacing OE equipment with something comparable, there's no reason you can't switch from one brand to another. And there's no reason you can't buy pads from one company and rotors from another.

Upgrading your brake rotors can be a wise investment, especially if you prioritize performance and safety. The high-performance brake rotors offered by PowerStop are designed with advanced materials and technologies that improve heat dissipation, reduce fade, and enhance overall braking performance.

Rotors cost between $30 and $75 each. Higher-quality rotors like Duralast Gold, which feature a coated hat and edge and are designed to outperform your vehicle's original equipment, usually cost a little more. Labor at a shop to replace rotors and pads is approximately $150 to $200 per axle.

While there are different schools of thought on this paired part replacement, at ADVICS, our technicians always recommend replacing brake pads and rotors at the same time to keep the vehicle in peak working order, and more importantly, to ensure the braking system delivers the safest and most reliable stop possible.

Many factors determine how long your rotors will last, but you can generally expect them to require replacing somewhere between 30,000 and 70,000 miles of driving. For an average driver covering 12,000 miles per year, this means that brake rotors may need replacing anytime between 2 1/2 years and six years of driving.

Power Stop stands out for its trustworthy slotted rotors designed specifically for everyday drivers who seek steady braking power without needing the extravagant performance typical of racing brakes.

OEM brake pads and rotors are made for your car by the same engineers who designed it, which can provide some peace of mind. However, there are plenty of brake pad options from aftermarket brands like Duralast and Brembo that operate as good as the original equipment brakes, and often even better.

Drilled and slotted rotors may result in increased brake pad wear due to the additional friction caused by the drilled holes and slots. Drilled rotors may wear faster due to jagged edges, while slotted rotors can cause faster pad wear.

What is better, drilled or dimpled rotors? ›

The dimpled rotor is an evolution of the cross-drilled rotor designed for track and sport cars. Because SUV's and trucks exert a much higher load and stress on the brake rotors, the dimpled rotor is recommended due to the higher stress handling capacity. Outgassing is important as it allows the brake pad to "breathe".

When a rotor is drilled out at the factory, it often leaves jagged or otherwise microscopic fractures in its plate, in which cracks may originate.

You have a couple of options when it comes to brake rotors. Solid rotors that have a slightly larger surface and offer better durability and stopping power. Vented brake rotors that provide better cooling and are less likely to warp and fade, particularly when heat cycles spike up and down during a competition.