How To Decide Which Brake Rotors Are Right For You

When it comes to choosing the right disc brake conversion kit, you should have a thorough understanding of what makes each set unique so that you can find one that provides everything you need for your performance brakes. One of the main differences between our universal DBK9 and the high-performance DBK9 is the brake rotors that each offers. With the high-performance disc brake kit, you are upgrading from the smooth brake rotors offered in the universal kit to cross-drilled and slotted rotors. Learn more about the key differences between the different types of rotors, and shop Pirate Jack for the disc brake conversion kits that have made us Top Rated Local® for brake conversion kits and parts.

Smooth Brake Rotors

Because smooth brake rotors offer perfectly adequate stopping power for everyday driving conditions, almost every car comes from the manufacturer equipped with them. In addition, their higher surface area and lack of holes or slots mean that they maintain their structural integrity longer. In addition to being a highly durable option, smooth brake rotors act as an effective heat-sink, which allows the brakes to stay cool. You should never settle for brake rotors that are not effective at dispersing or absorbing heat, as this will cause your brakes to overheat and the results could be devastating.

Slotted Brake Rotors

Slotted brake rotors are rotors that have several grooves that extend radially at an angle from the center of the rotor. These are the first option in performance brake rotors, designed for more than your average day-to-day driving. As you engage the brakes more frequently, gas and dust accumulate within the braking system, which could mean that your brake pads will slip when you stop. However, the slots on these rotors allow a pathway for the gas and dust to escape while increasing the area of the rotor that the brake pad is touching, giving you a more consistent, reliable stopping power, even under heavy use. In addition, the slots allow for an increased coefficient of friction when the brakes are engaged, meaning you use less energy than if you had smooth rotors.

Cross-Drilled Brake Rotors

Like their slotted counterparts, cross-drilled brake rotors are popular for venting the gas and dust buildup from frequent braking. Featuring lines of drilled holes that radiate from the center at an angle, these types of rotors are perhaps the best for keeping your braking system cool as heat can be vented through the holes. In addition to preventing your brakes from getting too hot, this type of rotor looks amazing on your muscle car or truck. However, the holes in the system lessen its structural integrity, meaning that these rotors are more prone to cracking under extremely intense use (such as on a racetrack).

Cross-Drilled and Slotted Brake Rotors

These rotors offer the best benefits of both the drilled rotors and the slotted rotors, giving you a higher performance, more consistent braking, and a cooler system, not to mention exquisite aesthetics. Because the combination allows you to benefit from both an increased coefficient of friction and a cool operation, these are especially sought after for heavy vehicles such as trucks.

Still need help deciding which disc brake conversion kit is right for you? Call our team of experts today! We’ll be happy to help.