Brake Upgrades - Replace Your
Factory Brakes For Better Performance
Brake Upgrades can shorten stopping distances, give better brake feel and more control with less brake fade. “Upgrading” refers to replacing brake parts that perform better than the ones that originally came equipped on your vehicle. Most common reasons for brake upgrades: - The factory brakes are inadequate (poor performance, too much dust, etc…)
- The driving style is more aggressive than normal drivers.
- The vehicle has been modified with more power so stronger brakes are necessary.
- The vehicle carries a heavy load on a day to day basis (work vehicle).
- The vehicle is used for towing.
- The brakes are upgraded for show.
- Larger wheels and tires were installed which increased stopping distances.
The factory brake components on most vehicles are designed to perform adequately, but are typically budget constrained. There is usually a better choice for performance and value than factory parts. There are many different components that you can upgrade, and each one has its own benefits. The disadvantage of each is the same – each one costs more than the factory replacement parts. Considering the added confidence that performance brake components add, the extra cost is not all that much. Our recommended path for brake upgrades: - Performance tires
- Performance brake pads
- Bleed brakes on a regular basis
- Stainless steel hoses
- Cross-drilled or slotted rotors
- Performance brake fluid
- Complete brake system upgrade (calipers, rotors, pads, hoses)
Performance tires - The first thing you should consider replacing for better overall braking performance isn’t a brake part at all – it’s your tires. Upgrading to a better tire will have a greater effect on shorter stopping distances than any brake upgrade. In other words, a performance brake system is useless without a good set of tires. Tire Rack is the best place to get tires. 
Performance Brake Pads - Performance brake pads can provide shorter stopping distances, less brake fade and reduced brake dust (assuming the pad is not too aggressive).
Through the use of better friction materials and superior construction, performance pads can provide a stronger bite for better stopping power.
Pads are the most common brake upgrade because they are inexpensive and easy to change.Keep in mind that pads designed for the street will quickly overheat and cause brake fade on the racetrack. Pads designed for the track will never get hot enough on the street to perform properly. So choose brake pads based on your driving style and driving conditions. See our recommended Performance Brake Pads.
Brake Shoes - It's hard to find applications for performance brake shoes. The rear drums just don't do that much work for performance shoes to have that much effect. If you want to better braking for the rear of your car, truck or SUV, consider switching the drums to disc brakes. You'll have a lot more options for brake upgrades if you have calipers in the rear.
Brake Hoses - Stainless steel brake hoses provide better brake feel, but don't expect them to help you improve stopping distances. They replace the factory rubber hoses with braided stainless steel covered teflon hoses. The rubber hoses actually expand on braking, delaying the full power of the brakes for a moment.Stainless steel hoses don’t expand nearly as much, providing a more direct and firmer brake pedal. Replacement of the hoses requires bleeding the brakes.
See our recommended Performance Brake Hoses.
Brake Rotors - Replacing the brake rotors with cross drilled or slotted types can improve braking performance. The slots and/or holes in the brake rotor shave off small amounts of braking material which leave a continuous clean surface for better brake bite.Although cross drilled rotors arguably look better than slotted types, they do have a reputation to develop stress cracks between the holes when they get overheated (from towing, racing, etc...) Slotted rotors are not susceptible to this since the slots don’t go all the way through the rotor.
See our recommended Performance Brake Rotors.
Brake Calipers - Improves braking performance with better design, they have the ability to hold larger pads, and usually have more pistons for more pressure on the pads. Upgraded calipers aren’t available for all models. If you upgrade the brake calipers, make sure you replace your rubber hoses with stainless steel hoses (most kits include them). Should you consider this upgrade, it would be a good idea to see how much replacement pads will cost, since they can be expensive.
Brake Fluid - Upgrading your brake fluid won’t shorten your stopping distances, but it will help protect your braking system. Performance brake fluid is composed of superior components which raise the boiling point of the fluid.Brake fluid must be able to withstand the high heat generated by the brakes. If the fluid overheats it will boil, creating air bubbles in the fluid. Since air is compressible, the braking performance will be decreased and result in a spongy pedal. If this happens, the brakes must be bled to remove the air bubbles. Switching your brake fluid to one with a higher boiling point will allow your brakes to get hotter without overheating. Read more info about brake fluid.
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