Brakes & Brake Pads: I Brake for Blogs about Brakes

Brakes always play second fiddle to their sexier older sister: the engine. Sure, the ponies are what give vehicles their forward momentum and their vicious growl. But, you have to ask yourself one question: when push comes to shove, can you stop your street sled fast enough to avoid redecorating some slowpoke's rear end with your front bumper? Horsepower matters, but stopping strength matters just as much. Luckily, upgrading your brake system is a lot easier and way more affordable than upgrading your drivetrain for a bump in get-up-and-go.

The first modification that most motorists make to their brake systems is swapping out their factory discs with a set of performance brake rotors. Why start with the rotors, you ask? Well, rotors are really the heart and soul of the brake system; they're the foundation on which the rest of the braking components are built. Although they play such an important role in your ride's ability to come to a commanding halt, factory rotors are often woefully under engineered. Performance brake rotors, though, are meatier, tougher and even look meaner than any stock rotor that ever rolled off the assembly line. Loaded up with track-grade technology, many rotors come slotted, cross-drilled, or both slotted and cross-drilled. Besides giving the rotors a trick appearance, slotting and cross-drilling allow the discs to stay cooler longer, which ensures a crisper bite when you hit the brakes.

For the second course: a set of performance brake pads, the perfect pairing to new rotors. Unlike OEM pads, the aftermarket varieties are formulated to clamp down and grab onto your discs more aggressively. Not only do they stop you faster, but they also last longer, generate less dust and don't squeal like stock replacement pads. Plus, they're custom-sized to directly replace your stock parts, so you don't have to monkey around with adjusting your calipers.

Now, there are a lot of different brake makers out there trying to pitch you their products. While most of it is perfectly safe to use, there are a select group of brands whose brakes have gained a reputation for excellence. EBC, Baer, Posi Quiet, Power Slot, Brembo brakes—you can trust these companies to accelerate your deceleration.