We've compared OE and performance brake pads, but what about brake rotors? When upgrading your brake system, rotors are just as important as pads. Whether you're looking for a performance brake upgrade for track use or simply want better stopping power on the street, you need to understand the many options out there to make the right choice. We cover everything here, from just above OEM spec to full-on track-ready rotors.
Brake Rotor Types Explained
There are several brake rotor types, the most common being the solid design you'll see used on most standard vehicles. Factory grade solid brake rotors are adequate for daily driving and - like most OE parts - are designed to be a compromise between weight, cost, and performance.
Upgraded performance rotors are made to serve a specific market or driving style. Demanding driving requires upgraded components, especially in the braking system. They vary in style and design, and we'll cover their pros and cons of several common types here.
Solid Brake Rotors
Solid rotors, also sometimes called smooth rotors, are flat, single-piece discs often found on stock vehicles. While aftermarket solid rotors may look similar to OEM rotors, they offer several advantages over stock solid rotor systems.
Most notably, high-quality aftermarket solid rotors typically have internal vanes to help dissipate heat and are usually lighter than OEM units. The pros and cons of aftermarket solid brake rotors can include:
Pros:
- Lower cost than performance rotors
- Moderate upgrade over OEM parts
- Flat design offers great contact area with brake pads
- Lighter than OEM rotors
Cons:
- Only slightly above average heat dissipation
- Not ideal for spirited or track driving
Performance Brake Rotors
If you want to go beyond simply replacing your OE rotors with a like part, there's a whole world of performance rotors out there. Performance rotors feature several technological innovations that enhance heat dissipation (among other advances) and, by extension, also enhance braking performance in extreme conditions. A few pros and cons of performance brake rotors include:
Pros:
- Great for heavy-duty use or high-speed braking
- Reduced brake fade
- Better thermal management
- Stylish
Cons:
- More expensive than solid rotors
“Are performance rotors better than solid?” Absolutely - especially for front brakes and performance use.
Performance Brake Rotor Types
When you're talking about a performance brake upgrade, you typically want to include a rotor upgrade, as well as your brake pads. There are a variety of options when it comes to upgrading rotors:
Vented Rotors
- Lighter and better heat resistance
- Recommended for daily use or light performance driving
- Lighter and better heat resistance than stock rotors
- Stylish design and look
- Recommended for daily use or light performance driving
Slotted Rotors - The Best of Both Worlds
- Aid in brake pad bite and gas/dust evacuation
- Slightly lighter than solid rotors
- Slightly lower surface area but better initial response
- Excellent for brake rotor upgrades for performance cars
Drilled and Slotted Rotors - Ideal for Track Cars
- A hybrid option, offering style and function
- Lower weight than most other performance rotors
- Enhanced temperature management
- Less surface area reduces braking force
- Typically used for track cars, not daily drivers
Two-Piece Floating/Semi-Floating Rotors
- Best of the best: lightweight, durable, heat-managing
- Designed for high-performance applications
- Can be expensive, but worth it if you demand the best
- Easier to maintain as the 'ring' of the rotors is replaceable
Big Brake Kits: The Ultimate Upgrade
So, let's say you’ve maxed out your rotors. You may tow heavy - and often. Or you may have a modified rig that you take off-road that weighs a lot and sees rough terrain. What’s next? How do you make sure you've got the braking control you need? Time for a big brake kit. What’s in a big brake kit?
- Larger, vented rotors (often also slotted or drilled)
- Bigger multi-piston calipers
- Performance pads and brake lines
- All-in-one convenience for brake kit upgrade
The advantages of big brake kits include greater stopping power thanks to increased rotor size and pad contact. The bigger calipers can apply more pressure to the pads and rotors, and of course, big brake kits also look stunning.
How Much Do Performance Brake Rotors Cost?
You can upgrade your brake rotors for as little as a few hundred dollars. Costs can rise into the thousands if you're interested in specialized, top-tier performance rotors. There's a basic, middle, and high-end market option for every need. If this is your first brake upgrade, contact our experts for guidance before ordering. We're happy to help you get the right upgrade for your needs. We offer a huge selection of rotors from top brands like:
The top-tier brands we offer have options tailored for daily driving, track days, or brake system upgrades for towing and off-roading.
Can I Replace Or Upgrade Brake Rotors Myself?
Yes, you can absolutely replace brake rotors and pads yourself. It's one of the most approachable maintenance jobs for a DIY enthusiast. With a few basic tools and some patience, you can complete the task in your garage or driveway in just a couple of hours. It is always recommended that a set of new brake pads be fitted when replacing your rotors.
Performance Brake Rotors From EuroSport Tuning
At EuroSport Tuning we sell performance auto parts that enhance the capabilities of your Audi, BMW, Porsche, Mercedes, Volkswagen, or Volvo. We only sell performance brake rotors that we would put on our own cars, and every brand we offer is one that we personally believe in. We offer a large selection of rotors alone, or choose a complete kit with:
If you're ready to enhance the braking performance of your vehicle, then contact our knowledgeable team for assistance, or order the perfect set of brake rotors for your vehicle online today!
