In order to maximize performance for your car, you’re looking at all of your vehicle’s systems. That, of course, includes the brakes. After all, getting more efficient and reliable stopping power is important when driving at high speeds. But you may be wondering which performance brake systems are worth the cost.
What Type Of Brake Upgrade Do You Need?
Lower rotor temps with a brake cooling kit like this one for a Subaru WRX STI.
If you are a die-hard, frequent track goer who constantly pushes your vehicle at high speeds, go ahead and splurge on that big brake kit. If you only hit the track occasionally or use your car exclusively for street driving, a $5,000 performance brake system may be overkill. Ultimately, you might choose the top-dollar option, but you don’t have to start there. You can make different brake enhancements, including the following:
- Performance brake pads. You’ll find a wide range of variations and price points. Upgraded pads give you better stopping power and handle heat more effectively than OEM counterparts. You’re less likely to experience brake fade, even in high-heat conditions during track day.
- Rotor and pad kits. A nice upgrade without breaking the bank. Rotors can be customized in different sizes and may come as cross-drilled, slotted, or both. Performance rotors help dissipate heat and reduce the chance of brake fade. Rotor and pad kits can save you money over buying separately and help ensure proper fit and performance.
- Brake fluid and brake line upgrades. A stainless steel braided line will give you a tighter, more responsive pedal feel.
- Big brake kits. This option is the top-end modification featuring a caliper that dwarfs its OEM counterpart. The massive caliper moves more brake fluid and may have multiple pistons to handle a larger pad. Overall, you may end up with a braking surface up to three times that of OEM setups. The kit will likely include everything you need, including pads, rotors, fluid, brake lines, and fittings.
- Brake cooling kit: Brake components can overheat when turning fast laps. A custom brake cooling kit can help reduce temps, protecting your rotors and boosting performance.
Have you noticed decreased brake performance, also known as brake fade? This common condition is a decrease in stopping power due primarily to excess heat. Many OEM brake systems are pretty good at warding off brake fade during everyday driving but may have trouble handling hotter conditions and more aggressive driving on the track. Thankfully, you have options to combat fade. The right solution for you depends on how you use your vehicle. If you’re not sure what to install, you can always get advice from a leading performance parts specialist.
Why Consider a Brake Cooling Kit?
Reduce brake fade, protect your rotors, and improve pad wear with a brake cooling kit like this one on a Toyota GR86.
Those oversized rotors and calipers aren’t the only modifications you can make to your brake system. Another excellent aftermarket option is a brake cooling kit. You can find them customized for various vehicles commonly used at the track. They’ll help your brake’s cooling efficiency by directing air to the center of the rotor. The result is reduced brake fade, improved pad wear, and a lower risk of cracked rotors.
Order Aftermarket Brake Parts From Verus Engineering
Extend the life of your components with a brake cooling kit from Verus Engineering. We’ll help lower the temperature of your rotors so your brakes can do their job more effectively. Find kits for your exact vehicle, and browse our incredible performance parts. Shop online today, or contact us if you have any questions.
Are Performance Brake Systems Worth The Cost?