How to Choose Brake Rotors

Choosing brake rotors largely depends on what application you are using the rotors for. Shops often offer premium rotors without a true explanation of what that means, and why you should choose them, often becuase they do not understand the differences themselves. Understanding the science, purpose and construction of brake rotors will help you choose the right ones for your particular application.

Instructions

1




Higher speed creates more friction and heat

Understand brake rotor function. Brake rotors work by dissipating heat from friction. This friction is caused by a caliper squeezing brake pads against the rotor using hydraulics. The heat generated varies depending upon the material the brake pads are made of, the length of time the brakes are held, and the weight and speed of the vehicle being stopped. The simplification of the scientific formula is this: the more pressure caused by weight, rate of speed, and length of brake application is equal to more friction, which creates more heat. The more heat generated, the more readily the rotor needs to be able to absorb and dissipate that heat.

2




Trucks will have larger vented rotors

Define your application. High performance and sports cars use drilled or drilled and grooved rotors. Most passenger cars and light trucks have solid rotors in the rear, and vented rotors up front. Many newer vehicles use grooved rotors from the factory for increased efficiency. Unless you plan to change rotors and brakes frequently, do not substitute drilled rotors on standard vehicles, as they wear quickly and if not changed in a timely manner can cause brake failure. Rotors on motorcycles are a typically drilled solid rotors of completely different construction than automotive rotors.

3

Consider premium rotors, which are typically constructed the same as your original rotors, using different materials. These different metals are used to dissipate heat better, so if you are towing, or driving in daily stop-and-go traffic, these may be worth the extra money.

4

Analyze cost versus performance. This depends greatly on your application, and the type of driving you plan to do. Differences in pricing can be significant, as can wear time and maintenance intervals. Unless you are using your vehicle for an application other than the one it was designed for, the rotors originally designed by the manufacturer work very well. If you have any question, call the manufacturer or an experienced shop mechanic.