HOW DOES IT ALL WORK?
DRILLED ROTORS Performance brake rotors are divided into two main types – drilled and slotted. Drilled rotors actually have small holes drilled into their bodies. This is done for a number of reasons: Dissipate Heat: Friction is created when the brake pad clamps down onto the rotor. The friction creates a lot of heat. And if that heat doesn’t escape it may cause brake fade and a reduction in stopping power. This is where the drilled holes come on – they take this heat away from the rotor surface. Gas Buildup: The materials which some of the older brake pads are made of create a gas buildup between the rotor and the pad. And this buildup reduces the friction between the two components and limits your overall stopping power. In this case, the drilled holes act as an escape route for the gas. Water Retention: There are countless ways in which your brake rotors can get wet, including rain, a carwash, or driving through a puddle. And when your rotor is wet, its surface becomes slippery and difficult to grip by the brake pad. Again, this is detrimental for your stopping power. The drilled holes actually lead water droplets away from the rotor surface to ensure it remains dry. The con of drilled rotors is that they are structurally weaker compared to other rotors. All the holes that do so much good for your braking power, can’t hold up to repeated stress in the long run and can even cause the rotor to crack. The bottom line: If you enjoy a moderate driving style, drilled rotors may be your go-to choice! Their drilled surface guarantees superior stopping power and resistance to brake fade. Drilled rotors are not engineered for performance driving. So if you enjoy aggressive horsepower, you need to be sure your brake rotors can handle the added stress!
SLOTTED ROTORS Slotted brake rotors feature carved slots instead of drilled holes. The slots serve the same way as drilled holes – they dissipate heat, release gas buildup, and lead water droplets away from the rotor surface. Slotted rotors are a suitable choice for performance drivers because they are durable enough to take on the stress of repeatedly hard driving. But on the downside, they will easily and quickly wear down your vehicle’s brake pads. This is why most performance drivers choose drilled rotors. While slotted rotors are the go-to choice for the racetrack.