Brake Components

A key component in your brake system is the rotor. A rotor's primary job is to dissipate the heat caused by braking. Eventually the rotor's thickness will wear down to the point where replacement is needed or they need to be replaced due to warping. Which rotors are best for you will depend on your budget and needs. 

Standard rotors, like those offered from Centric, are a good choice for those who want an Original Equipment replacement. If you want better resistance against warping, the Cryo-Stop rotors are a great choice. They're cryogenically treated for enhanced durability.

Those who wish to upgrade braking performance and appearance of their vehicle can opt for slotted or drilled rotors. StopTech's SportStop Drilled Rotor and Sport Slotted Rotor are both excellent options and reduce brake fade by helping evacuate the surface film of gases that are often released during heavy braking.

For the serious driver who's concerned about performance, take a look at the DBA line. They are all slotted and have a unique ventilation system to maximize heat dissipation. 

Cryo-Stop Rotor

StopTech SportStop Drilled Rotor

DBA 5000 Series T3 2-Piece Rotor

All individual rotors we offer are a direct fit for a vehicle. Shop by vehicle to view the rotors available for application.

Are you a driver who's looking for a high speed rated tire with responsive handling? Would you like these characteristics without also having to purchase a set of dedicated winter tires? Then an Ultra High Performance All-Season tire might be the right option for you.

This class of tires allows for predictable handling at the limit, good amounts of dry traction and several options make excellent all-season performers. Even consumers in warmer climates that don't need an all-season by necessity have found comfort in the longer treadwear that this performance category provides. While mileage expectations will vary, UHP all-season tires typically last about twice as long as dedicated summer tires.

Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position

Continental ExtremeContact DWS

If this sounds like a category of interest, take a look at the Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position and Continental ExtremeContact DWS. The Potenza RE970AS Pole Position is Bridgestone's flagship tire in the category and combines high speed capability with all-season traction for sophisticated sports cars, sport coupes and high performance sedans. A series of circumferential and lateral grooves help pump water and slush through the tire's footprint to enhance hydroplaning resistance, wet road and light snow traction.

Continental's ExtremeContact DWS satisfies year-round driving needs by blending dry and wet road performance with light snow and slush traction. The tire receives high marks in several areas, but really stands out in the light snow and deep snow traction ratings. Compared to the other options in the category, it has really separated itself in winter performance; this is a big reason why the tire is ranked number one in our Tire Survey Results.

As the top two tires rated in the Ultra High Performance All-Season category, each receives their fair share of praise:

"These are the best tires I have ever used! It doesn't get any better for an all-season performer. I've never written a review on any product, but I felt that strongly about these tires." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2004 Jaguar X Type 3.0 V6 Sport (Continental ExtremeContact DWS)

"This tire is so much better than the Original Equipment. They have dramatically improved traction in all conditions with the biggest improvement being in the wet and light snow. I love the improved cornering and braking. If you're like me and consider your tires to be a key safety component on your car, you will appreciate these tires." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2008 Cadillac STS V8 (Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position)

With over thirty years in the business, Tire Rack has been the best source for tires, suspension and brake components for everything from track cars to daily drivers. Along the way, we've made a lot of friends and gained some fans like those that follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. If you're looking to show your support at an entire differeny level, be sure to check out our line of apparel! Going beyond the traditional hat and t-shirt, we offer a great selection of polos, pullovers, cycling jerseys and more.

Our cycling and running jerseys are from 100% polyester and wick away moisture to help keep you dry, cool and comfortable. Available in different colors, choose the option that's right for you.

Tire Rack's Sport-Tek 1/4-Zip Sweatshirts feature a cotton/polyester blend that'll keep you warm for those chilly mornings at the track. It features rib knit cuffs and waistband for comfort and durability. Our logo is embroidered and the material is designed to minimize shrinking after repeated washings. 

Take a look at our full line of apparel.

When putting together a Tire & Wheel Package for winter, the MSW Type 14 is often one of the most affordably priced alloy wheel options. Current pricing ranges from $78-$133*, with common 16" applications priced at $89* per wheel. The wheel is available in a wide variety of bolt patterns and offsets to fit popular vehicles.

Alloy wheels tend to cost a little more than steel wheels, but are more resistant to rust, lighter weight and more attractive. For some vehicles, steel wheels may not be available, so in many cases the Type 14 may be the best priced option. When compared to steel wheels, alloy wheels offer the following benefits:

• Enhances the look of your vehicle
• Are manufactured to precise standards to meet exact fitment and performance needs
• Weigh less than steel wheels and have superior strength
• May be the preferred option for your vehicle based on fitment requirements
• Will allow for better brake clearance (depending on wheel style and brake components installed)

With a simple five-spoke design they are easy to clean and resist the tendency to accumulate packed snow. Proper maintenance is required as finish damage may result in the harshest winter climates where salty and sand are routinely used. Which means your winter wheels will need to be cleaned. Be sure to check out our line of wheel and tire care products from Griot's Garage to keep your MSW Type 14 wheels looking great all winter long!

*Prices subject to change

If you're shopping for a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package, you'll notice that steel wheels are offered for many vehicles and are more economical than aluminum alloy wheels. Keep in mind that price only tells part of the story. While they may be the right choice for you, be sure to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using steel wheels versus alloy wheels.

Steel Wheels

• Meet the basic needs of drivers who want the convenience of a winter tire package without the additional cost of an alloy wheel
• Typically available in black or silver finish depending on the application
• Basic styling can often be updated with wheel covers
• Cost less than alloy wheels due to ease of manufacturing and lower material costs

Since steel wheels aren't the sportiest addition to your vehicle, wheel covers will hide the wheels while enhancing your vehicle's appearance. If a good look is especially important to you, alloy wheels may be the way to go! When creating a Winter Tire & Wheel Package, why should you consider an aftermarket alloy wheel? What are the benefits of alloy wheels over steel?

Alloy Wheels 

• Enhance the look of your vehicle
• Are manufactured to precise standards to meet exact fitment and performance needs
• Weigh less than steel wheels and have often have superior strength
• May be the preferred option for your vehicle based on fitment requirements
• Will allow for better brake clearance (depending on wheel style and brake components installed)
• Some may require proper maintenance as finish damage may result in the harshest winter climates where salt and sand are routinely used

Steel Wheels

Sport Edition A7

It's important to remember that alloy wheels may be the only option for your vehicle since steel wheels aren't made to fit every application. To learn more about the benefits of an alloy wheel, read "What is an Alloy Wheel?"

Frequently, I receive calls from customers looking for the best brake pads for their vehicle. With a large assortment of products for driving and race enthusiasts, we have many braking components that are right for you.

Hawk Performance brake pads are manufactured using the most sophisticated manufacturing process available. Recognized as an ISO 9001 manufacturer is proof that they are committed to developing safe, durable products.

Starting with the most street friendly option and increasing in terms of aggressiveness, below are a few options that could work for your car:

Hawk HPS Street

• One of our best selling pads
• Appropriate for aggressive street use
• Dust is similar or less than a factory O.E. pad
• Slightly higher initial bite than factory
• Will fade under track use and isn't recommend for such
• Popular for Auto-X as they don't require much heat to bite

Hawk HP Plus Race

• Slightly more aggressive than the HPS
• Higher initial bite than HPS pads
• Low dust for a track pad, but high dust by street pad standards
• Due to metallic content, slightly noisier than HPS
• Hybrid pad designed for weekend track enthusiasts with light vehicles
• Suitable for street use

Hawk Blue 9012 Track Only

• Very popular track pad
• High metallic content
• Starting point for dedicated track pads
• Great for a wide range of vehicles
• Not intended for street use
• Perfect for light to moderate weight vehicles with moderate power
• Good economical track pad for beginners and experts alike

Hawk HT-10 / HT-14 / DTC60 / DTC70

• Extremely aggressive race pads
• Require 400+ degrees of temperature to stop effectively
• High dust
• High noise
• Extremely high resistance to fade
• For high horsepower applications
• Not for beginners

If you're looking for a premium set of replacement brake pads for your light truck or SUV, then take a look at the Hawk LTS Truck/SUV Pads. Having used them on my own vehicles with good results, I recommend them to family, friends, neighbors and customers.

Key Features & Benefits of Hawk Performance LTS Brake Pads:

• Improved braking over standard replacement pads
• Smooth engagement
• Very fade resistant
• Low noise output
• Low dust output
• Extended pad life
• Increased rotor life

The Hawk LTS Pads are available for a wide variety of trucks, SUVs and crossovers, including the Chevy Tahoe, Ford F-150 and BMW X5. With a compound that combines the durability of Hawk Performance's commercial fleet products with the elevated stopping power of its performance street and motorsports formulations, these pads are an outstanding choice.

If you own a heavy-duty application such as a fleet or towing vehicle, step up to Hawk HP SuperDuty Pads. Even though these pads will produce more dust, they provide the extra bite you need with excellent high temperature heat dissipation.

Also, brake pads are wear items and as such, should be inspected regularly and replaced as necessary. Pads should be replaced when approximately 1/8th inch of friction material remains on the steel backing plate.

For additional assistance in picking the right brake pad for your vehicle, read "Choosing Brake Components."

I received the following question in one of the forums I help moderate: "I have 137,000 miles on my car.  I've heard that some people experience sagging springs. Under what conditions, if any, do springs wear out and how can I tell other than a lower ride height?"

Springs support the weight of a vehicle and over time can certainly sag and result in lowered ride height and reduced body control. While you may never "need" to replace springs (short of one being broken) on your vehicle, 137,000 miles is quite some time for the Original Equipment. You would likely see a noticeable improvement by replacing your springs after this amount of driving and time supporting the vehicle's weight. While you're replacing these suspension components, consider the Eibach Pro-Kit Spring Set.

Below are a few areas that will improve by replacing worn out springs with a new set of lowering springs:

• No more bottoming out
• Reduced body roll
• Reduced pitch and dive when braking and accelerating
• Better handling and steering feel

For more information about lowering your vehicle, take a loot at "A Look at Lowering."

No matter what you drive, Tire Rack has done the homework necessary to ensure a proper fit for your vehicle when it comes to our Tire & Wheel Packages. 

While some vehicles have many aftermarket wheel and tire options, others are a bit more challenging and require the use of specially selected wheels to clear brake calipers, avoid suspension components and offer a factory style stance. One such vehicle that comes to mind is BMW's X5. This vehicle, especially when equipped with the optional 20" sport package, is notoriously difficult to outfit with all-season or dedicated winter / snow tires. 

Although manufacturers are stepping up to the plate and beginning to offer non-summer X5 tires in the 275/40-20 front and massive 315/35-20 rear sizes, the most popular solution for those looking for the best traction in foul weather is a downsized Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package.

A few wheels, such as the Rial Oslo (pictured) offer enough brake clearance in an 18" size to allow for proper fitment. With wheels such as this, we prefer drivers run a 255/55-18 tire on all four corners. This tire size allows for a wide variety of cost-effective options, maintains the factory rolling diameter and has a better cutting effect on ice and in snow compared to the factory staggered setup. Most often, a Tire & Wheel Package for this SUV in the 18" size costs approximately the same or less than the factory sized tires by themselves.

How do we know which wheels will fit your vehicle? We measure your vehicle's critical components with sophisticated electronic tools that allows our engineers to create extremely accurate drawings of each part. For more information, read "How We Know What Fits."

If you're shopping for a family member, friend or loved one this holiday season, consider a gift certificate from Tire Rack. With 17 different tire brands, approximately 40 unique wheel manufacturers, brand name suspension components, brake parts and more, we have a little something for everyone.

Not sure of a tire size, bolt pattern or desired product? Give the gift of unlimited choice for the person on your list. Once the certificate is purchased, the recipient will be able to purchase directly on our website or by simply calling one of our knowledgeable sales specialists.

Tire Rack Gift Certificates are available in dollar amounts ranging between $25-$5,000 and can be sent via email or paper form. For more information, please review the terms and conditions outlined below:

Gift Certificate Terms and Conditions

• Gift Certificate is valid on future retail purchases from Tire Rack only.
• Gift Certificates cannot be used to purchase additional Gift Certificates.
• Gift Certificates are not redeemable for cash and cannot be returned for a cash refund.
• Any unused balance will be credited to the recipient's Gift Certificate account.
• Tire Rack reserves the right to change these terms and conditions from time to time at its discretion.
• Gift Certificates and unused portions of Gift Certificates expire five years from the date of issue, subject to any applicable state law prohibiting any, or requiring a later, expiration date.
• Tire Rack is not responsible for lost or stolen Gift Certificates.
• The recipient's email address will be used once only for the purpose of sending the electronic Gift Certificate being purchased and will not be used for any other marketing purposes.
• Gift Certificate cash value is 1/10 of one cent.

Uniform Tire Quality Grade (UTQG) is a required marking on the tire sidewall intended to provide a standardized metric that helps consumers purchase tires based on relative treadwear, traction and temperature capabilities. When viewing UTQG ratings, it's important to note that the grades are assigned by the tire manufacturers and not the originators of the test, the U.S. Department of Transportation. The following three components will help you better understand how the UTQG rating works:

1. 100-700 - The first number is an indication of how long the tire will last based on how the tire wears during a predefined test. Each manufacturer assigns Treadwear Grades based on wear during a 7,200 mile test. The test includes a vehicle running a prescribed 400-mile loop for a total of 7,200 miles in which the tire's wear is measured during and at the conclusion of the test. Since most tires last longer than this, interpretation of the data can vary. It was intended to be used as a multiplication system, meaning a grade of 100 would indicate the tire tread would last as long as the test tire, a 200 would last twice as long, 300 would indicate three times as long, etc. With each manufacturer interpreting the data differently, this system is somewhat helpful while attempting to compare the grades within a single brand and not as helpful when comparing two or more brands.

2. C-AA are the Traction Grades and they measure how much force the tire generates in the wet at lock up. Most cars on the road today don't lock up as ABS is pushing almost 20 years as standard equipment. When ABS is working, the tire rotates, allowing the tread shape to help disperse water. Besides hydroplaning resistance, the test also doesn't take into account dry braking, dry cornering or wet cornering. It's only testing the rubber compound itself.

3. C-A are the tire's Temperature Grades. This is important if you live in a climate that is warm and drive at high speeds. Typically, the size of the tire and the speed rating are more appropriate for consideration, but this does play a backup role in indicating what types of temperatures your tire can disperse. Every tire sold in the United States must be capable of earning a "C" rating which indicates the tire's ability to withstand 85 mph speeds. While there are numerous detail differences, this laboratory test is similar in nature to those used to confirm a tire's speed rating.

While the UTQG was designed for most passenger car tires, it's not required for deep treaded light truck tires, winter / snow tires, temporary spare tires, trailer tires, tires under 12" in diameter and other select tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grade Standards hasn't met its original goal of clearly informing customers about the capabilities of their tires. With tires being so complex and their uses being varied, the grades don't always reflect their actual performance in real world use. To better understand each category of the UTQG test, read "Uniform Tire Quality Grade (UTQG) Standards."

As a sales specialist at Tire Rack, I get the opportunity to test all of the tires we sell. This includes performance auto tires, Passenger All-Season tires, truck tires and more. Occasionally, I like to step outside the box and review products that don't catch as much attention on our test track as the tires. It's nice being able to recommend all products we carry to customers through first-hand experience.

Having recently purchased a Mitsubishi Eclipse to use during the winter months, this vehicle was long overdue for random maintenance. One project at the top of my list was to fix the vehicle's brake system. Following years of driving abuse, the brake pad's metal backing plate had worn its way into the OEM rotors surface prompting immediate need for replacement brake rotors. 

Many of my customers ask, "Why should I purchase an aluminum alloy wheel for use in the winter?"

Pound for pound, aluminum alloy wheels are stronger and lighter than steel in the same size. Any time you can decrease the rolling (unsprung) weight of your vehicle, you potentially increase braking effectiveness and reduce wear and tear on suspension components. Any vehicle weight reduction also goes a long way towards improving fuel economy. Both of these factors alone are a definite plus in winter weather. Aluminum alloy wheels also enhance the appearance of your vehicle and are sized to precise standards to meet exact fitment and performance needs. For a comparison of alloy and steel wheels, read "Alloy vs. Steel Wheels in Winter Tire & Wheel Packages."

A great alloy wheel for use in the winter is the Sport Edition A7. It is a gravity cast, anodized aluminum alloy wheel that is primed, powder coated silver with a clear finish coat. The simple casting process keeps cost down and the finish is very resilient against the harsh conditions that winter has to offer. The slightly angled open spoke design stays cleaner and less susceptible to ice and snow build-up.

The Sport Edition A7 comes in over 50 different fitments in 15" through 18" sizes with some sizes available in a new black finish. The Sport Edition A7 is "hub centric" for many BMW and Subaru applications. This can really simplify seasonal change-out without the need for centering rings that can get lost or damaged. BMW owners will find in many cases that they can use their O.E. center cap to add additional curb appeal.

For a sturdy, clean looking, low cost alternative to plain black steel wheels, pick the Winter Wonder Wheel, Sport Edition A7.

After putting a nice Tire & Wheel Package on my son's car, we noticed that we could see a lot more of the brake caliper than we could with the old wheels. We had previously upgraded the brake system with good looking and great functioning Ate PremiumOne Slotted Rotors and Goodridge Stainless Steel brake hose, but the brake calipers looked dull, faded and rusty.

Rather than buy new calipers, we decided to clean and coat the existing parts with the G-2 Brake Caliper PaintSystem. The PaintSystem Sets are available in nine high-gloss, wear-resistant colors. Available colors include: red, yellow, blue, silver, gold, black, purple, green, white, pink and orange.

We decided to paint the brake caliper mounts silver and the calipers red, so we had to purchase two kits. The G-2 PaintSystem Set provides sufficient material to paint four brake calipers, or two brake calipers and two brake drums. However, vehicles with large brake calipers on the front axle and large brake drums on the rear axle may require two complete PaintSystem Sets to assure adequate coverage. We had plenty of paint for two coat coverage and even had half a can of each color left over when we were finished.

G-2 Brake Caliper PaintSystem's two-part paint system does not require caliper removal, however because we decided to use two different colors we removed and cleaned the caliper mounts. We then masked the brake hose and bleeder screw and supported the caliper at each corner with coat hangers.

G-2 Brake Caliper PaintSystem has a shelf life of six months and must be used between 56-70°F (13-21°C) ambient temperatures. Higher temperatures will cause paint to harden faster than normal. Unfortunately the day we had to complete this job was much warmer, so we had to work fast. We did our best to shade the area we were working in but, once the paint and reactor are mixed, there are only 4-6 hours working time. After that, paint left in the can will harden and will not be useable. I still had plenty of time to apply two coats of paint on both the calipers and the mounts. Give yourself at least two hours curing time before reinstalling wheels and don't use the vehicle for 24 hours to allow the paint to fully harden. Plan application accordingly.

The G-2 Brake Caliper PaintSystem Set consists of:

• Detailed Instructions
• Brake Cleaner Spray
• Brake Caliper Paint
• PaintSystem Reactor
• 1 stir stick
• 1 application brush

Since our calipers were not new and accumulated rust over the years from exposure to Northern Indiana's weather, I spent a little extra time with a wire brush, a little sand paper and a Scotch-Brite pad on the exposed metal surfaces initially. I then used the brake cleaner spray provided to degrease the surfaces to be painted and let them dry thoroughly prior to paint application.

As you can see from the photos of our final product, this kit will give your stock brake calipers the look of expensive, high performance calipers. The final coating will even help protect vital brake components from potentially harmful oils, chemicals and rust. When you are all done you will have:

• High-gloss finish
• Fade resistant colors
• Seals and protects exposed metal
• Heat-resistant up to 950º F
• Oil and chemical resistant coating

If you do it right, you can be seeing red too.

Selecting the best brake rotors for your vehicle can be more difficult than you think. This is especially true if you have a specialty application for track use, heavy towing or face challenging road conditions such as steep hills.

Essentially, your brakes transfer motion into heat, sound and sometimes light. This energy transfer allows the car to slow down as the motion energy is converted. The ultimate goal in braking is to convert motion energy as efficiently as possible, that creates the least amount of heat. The reason you need to reduce heat is to reduce brake fade and increase the life of your brake components.

Listed below are different types of rotors that are available for your application:

Solid/Vented - This is the most common O.E. application and is used on both front and rear. Venting rotors help reduce heat but are not efficient enough for demanding applications.
Slotted/Vented - Best combination of efficiency and value, slotted/vented rotors are perfect for sports coupes and sedans. These rotors are also great for truck and SUV applications where demands on the brakes are high for towing or mountain driving. The slotting allows for very good heat dissipation to reduce fade and increase rotor/pad life.
Cross-Drilled/Vented - Similar performance to the slotted/vented, however these rotors are not recommended for demanding applications due to the chance of cracking between drilled holes. Cross-drilled rotors look and perform great, but are less durable than slotted. 
Cryo-Treated - Cryo-treating is a process of increasing the durability of the rotor metal through a controlled heating/cooling process that can be applied to any of the above rotor styles.

Shop by vehicle to find the brake components that work best for your vehicle.

Working at Tire Rack gives me the unique opportunity to test all the tires that we sell. Feeling the ride characteristics of each tire on our controlled road rides and the tire's performance abilities on our track allows me to accurately describe the differences between Standard Touring, Ultra High Performance All-Season and Extreme Performance Summer tires to our customers.

Although tires is our primary line of business, we also stock and sell wheels, suspension components, brakes as well as tire and wheel care products.

I have always been a nuts and bolts kind of guy; if I can tighten it or loosen it, I can understand it. However, I felt that my testing of Tire Rack's products needed to expand into our line of Griot's Garage cleaning products. Although detailing is not, nor has ever been my strong spot, I was amazed with how simple and safe it was to use the buffer.

Guaranteed not to burn or damage your paint, the Griot's Orbital Polisher has the ability to polish at low and high speeds to help remove surface scratches and provide the best results.

Although pieces can be purchased individually, many consumers prefer Griot's Garage 6" Random Orbital Polisher Bag Kit, which includes the following:

• 6" Random Orbital Polisher
• Best of Show Wax® (16 oz.)
• Machine Polish 2 (Mild Polish) (16 oz.)
• Machine Polish 3 (Very Mild Polish) (16 oz.)
• 6" Orange Foam Polishing Pads (2)
• Wax Applicator Pad (red)
• Microfiber Polish Removal Cloths (3)
• Microfiber Wax Removal Cloths (3)
• Speed Shine® (8 oz.)
• Paint Cleaning Clay (8 oz.)
• Spray-On Wax, (8 oz.)
• Window Cleaner (8 oz.)
• Microfiber Window Cloths (4)
• Interior Cleaner (8 oz.)
• Microfiber Interior Cloths (2)

Search Griot's Garage products to help your vehicle look good this summer.

With all the talk about horsepower, torque, 0-60 times and top speed, what often gets overlooked is the performance of a vehicle's braking system. Let's face it, how important is 600 bhp and a 0-60 in 2.9 seconds if your car takes a country mile to stop? This may be obvious to some, but ask yourself when was the last time you saw a commercial for a car or truck bragging about engine performance without ever mentioning the brakes?
 
Brake pads, referred to in the industry as friction material, are the least expensive component of the braking system, yet they offer the most impact on performance. Like tires, not all brake pads provide the same performance characteristics and it's important to know which products best fit the vehicle and the driver's needs.

Ceramic pads are designed for very low dust and noise, but compromise on braking force. Ceramic pads are O.E. on most domestic and Japanese coupes and sedans.  

Semi-metallic pads provide maximum braking force or bite but are louder and leave heavier dust on a car's wheels. These pads are commonly O.E. for performance European vehicles and the most aggressive semi-metallic pads are used in specialty applications such as cars used in racing events.

Composite friction material offers a balance between braking force and low dust/noise. Think of these pads as a happy medium over ceramic and semi-metallic.

Akebono ProACT Ceramic Pads

Hawk Blue 9012 Track Only Pads

Satisfied GranSport 6 Pads

Shop by vehicle to find the brake components that work best for your vehicle.