Maximizing Performance and Safety: A Guide to High-Performance Brake Upgrades
At Poudre Sports Car, we’re dedicated to serving you for all of your sports car needs. In business since 1972, we offer a number of services to keep your vehicle in top shape, including brake repairs and upgrades. Knowing what services you need can be confusing, so we’ve broken down some of the questions we’re asked the most about high performance brakes.
Are Premium Brakes Worth It?
Having a reliable brake system is paramount to safety, but at what point is it worth the cost to have high-performance brakes installed in your vehicle? If you often find yourself going over 70 MPH and braking suddenly, it may be time to invest in high-performance brakes. The difference in stopping power is huge, and if you are racing, you need to be able to reliably stop without damaging your brake pads or your vehicle. Even if you are a day-to-day driver who doesn’t exceed 70 MPH, feeling secure that your brakes won’t wear out on you when you need them most can be reason enough for some to make the switch. We’ll save you hours of research by breaking down the difference between performance brakes versus stock brakes, the best brake pads and discs, and what performance brakes you should look at for your vehicle.
Performance Brakes vs Stock Brakes
Performance brakes are typically used in sports cars, but can also be installed in a number of standard cars.
Stock brakes are graded to be used for day-to-day car usage, like commuting to work, school, or running errands. They can withstand temperatures around 400 F, and last for several years before needing to be replaced. However, if you generally drive over 70 MPH, the friction caused by stopping creates higher temperatures, which is when performance brakes come into play.
High Performance Rotors and Brakes
High performance rotors and brake systems work by dissipating the heat more evenly throughout the braking system, preventing wear-and-tear on your brake pads. They are important for racing, or cars that make quick stops from high speeds more often than most. They can be a valuable upgrade to any vehicle, depending on how you typically drive.
High performance rotors are generally made from cast iron, which distributes heat more evenly along the surface. There are also two different options when it comes to rotor design: slotted and drilled, and there are pros and cons to each.
Slotted rotors can reduce friction and help remove gas, dust, and particulates caught between pads and rotors, but they tend to be noisier and wear down faster. Drilled rotors, on the other hand, have a longer life-span and are better in wet conditions as the design helps to move water away from the brakes. They don’t withstand heat as well, however, so these are not the top choice for racers.
Best Performance Brake Discs
There are lots of opinions out there about what the best performance brake discs are for your car. Brake discs are important, helping create the friction on the brake pad that allows you to stop. Having a high-performing brake disc is paramount to reliably stopping quickly and safely. We’ve highlighted the top three rated brake discs below:
- Brembo
- ATE
- Bosch
All three of these companies come with a 9/10 star rating according to several automaker websites, and offer top-of-the-line performance brake discs and brake kits. Each company boasts that they offer discs for every type of car, all the way from everyday “city” cars to specialty sports cars.
Best Performance Brake Pads
Many of us have driven cars that are past their prime or have had a lifetime of hard braking, and now make that recognizable squeal anytime you hit the brakes. This ear-wrenching sound is due to your brake pads hitting the end of their lifespan, a sign it’s time for replacements. Performance pads are a great option for anyone who wears down their brake pads quickly, and can offer peace of mind to even the most anxious of drivers.
With the large number of options out there, it can seem daunting to choose which brake pads are best for you. We’ve done the research for you and listed some of the brands below that we think will serve you well, no matter your needs:
Best Brakes for Audi, Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz
We stock and are able to order any number of brands that fit what you need for your vehicle. Of all the big-name brands, a few stand out as superior options for your brake system upgrade:
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StopTech High Performance Brake Kits
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Akebono Euro Ultra-Premium Ceramic
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Brembo Big Brake Kit
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Power Stop Brake Kits
Each of these brands, and many others, are car enthusiasts go-to for ultimate, high performance brake upgrades. Each boasts quality and performance with minimal brake dust, and makes replacing your brakes a breeze. Come in today to discuss the best option for your car, and see what Poudre Sports Car can do for you!
Performance Brakes Near Me
Poudre Sports Car offers a number of services, from tuning, pre-purchase inspection, and more. We offer affordable, high-quality service for your European sports car. Come see us today on College Avenue in Fort Collins, or give us a call at (970) 229-0990.
