What Brake Rotors are Best?

Friday, May 10, 2013 by Colin .

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.

Trying to Catch a Brake

Thursday, May 2, 2013 by Colin .

Last year my car's brakes started making that sound that lets you know a replacement was needed soon. Since I own a Toyota Avalon, I wasn't in the market for anything performance oriented. I opted for the Centric Plain 120 Series Rotors and Posi Quiet Ceramic Pads for the front and rear. The rotors and pads are Original Equipment replacements that would perform as good as or better than the factory original. 

Are you looking for a different type of brake? Take a look at our slotted and drilled rotors for enhanced braking performance. Some are also cryogenically treated for improved durability. 

MouseoverTextHere
Centric Plain 120 Series Rotor
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StopTech SportStopDrilled Rotor


Our pads range from Original Equipment replacements to performance oriented pads, such as StopTech's Street Performance Pads and Hawk's Performance Ceramic Pads. Depending on how aggressive the performance pads are, they will be dustier and noisier than your Original Equipment. However, they will enhance your vehicle's stopping power.   

Is it time for the brakes to be replaced on your vehicle? Read "Brake Pad or Rotor Inspection & Replacement" for assistance on getting your new brakes installed correctly.

Racing Technology Available for the Street: StopTech Big Brake Kits

Thursday, March 14, 2013 by Ben Rooney

When street cars go to the racetrack, the brakes are often the weakest link. While a street car's brakes usually only need to deliver maximum braking force from high speed on emergency occasions, a car on a racetrack uses maximum braking repeatedly, often with very little time to cool down. Overheated brakes quickly lose stopping power, which can lead to slower lap times and/or frightening moments. 

Tire Rack has been carrying StopTech pads and rotors, and now we are pleased to add their Big Brake Kits. Available in rotor diameters from 322mm-380mm (12.7"-15"), they're available for a wide variety of performance-oriented applications. To check brake products available for your car, shop by vehicle

Engineered to the highest standards, StopTech emphasizes rigidity in their calipers for reliable performance under demanding conditions. Their calipers feature a patented bolt-in bridge that enhances stiffness and allows easy access to the brake pads for efficient pad changes. 

The multi-piston calipers use differential piston diameters to precisely manage clamping force across the pad face. This minimizes uneven brake pad wear, particularly taper wear, for consistent performance over the life of the brake pads. The StopTech kits are vehicle-specific designs that maintain optimum brake balance and are 100% compatible with ABS and stability control systems. Calipers can be ordered in red or black finishes.  

Two-piece rotors feature an iron ring under the brake pads for optimum heat dissipation with an aluminum hat to save weight. The iron outer ring is replaceable, while the center hat is retained and bolted to the the new outer ring. Rotors are available in slotted or drilled styles. 

When upgrading your brakes, it's important to make sure that your wheels will fit the new, larger rotor and caliper. You may need bigger wheels than stock to fit the bigger rotors and calipers. StopTech has templates available to check the fit for your wheels. These kits are built to order, so please allow 2-3 weeks lead time when making your purchase. 

If you're thinking about ordering a big brake upgrade, you can look forward to shorter stopping distances, greater fade resistance, better modulation and a firmer brake pedal. In addition, the big brakes with red or black painted calipers will enhance the appearance of your vehicle. They look especially good behind large diameter wheels with open designs. Take a look at our complete line of StopTech products

Increase Stopping Power with Hawk HPS Street Brake Pads

Monday, December 10, 2012 by Zig Ziegler

Recently, I had to replace worn rotors and pads on my Lexus IS 250 AWD. After hearing many praises from customers and co-workers, I decided to give the Hawk HPS Street Brake Pads a shot. The Hawk pads have made an instant improvement in braking power. I noticed a marked increase in stopping power from the moment I left the garage. Also, I was worried about an increase in noise with the improved stopping power, but the Hawk HPS Street Brake Pads have been equivalent to my Original Equipment Lexus pads that were previously installed on the vehicle. 

According to Hawk, these pads offer 20-40% more stopping power and higher resistance to brake fade than most O.E. or standard pads. The Hawk HPS Street Brake Pads are designed for a wide array of vehicles that experience high speed driving or repetitive heavy braking. As standard brake pads wear, brake dust is released as the friction material wears in everyday braking. Hawk HPS pads are formulated to run cleaner and release extremely low levels of dust in normal driving conditions.

Key Features and Benefits of Hawk Performance HPS Brake Pads:

  • High friction/torque hot or cold
  • Gentle on rotors
  • Very quiet, low noise
  • Improved braking over O.E. pads
  • Extended pad life

Shop by vehicle to see if Hawk's HPS Street Brake Pads are available for your application.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Michelin Pilot Super Sport

Thursday, September 13, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.


Michelin Pilot Super SportReviewer's Overall Rating: 9.25

2009 Honda Accord Coupe
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle


Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 6,000
Location: Seminole, AL
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 6,000 Miles on Tires
September 06, 2012

I am resubmitting this review with a more detailed explanation.

With my cars as well as my motorcycles, I have always stressed the best quality in high performance tires be used, as your life depends upon them.

I bought the 2009 Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 (with Nav and 6 speed manual tranny) with the optional 19" Honda Factory Performance (HFP) wheels shod with Dunlop Sport Maxx tires. They worked quite well for OEM tires. I have since added a K & N Typhoon Cold Air intake, a beautiful Greddy SE cat-back exhaust system, EBC Sport Rotor and Red Stuff pad upgrade, sport suspension upgrade and Jet Power Module / MAF sensor / ECU reflash. This is not a normal stock car any longer and certainly does not perform like one - quite a sleeper.

In keeping with my performance enhancements, these 245/40-19 Michelin Pilot Super Sports are replacing another very good tire, the Continental Extreme Contact DW's which in turn had replaced the Dunlops. As these Michelin tires were designed for the Ferrari 348 as a follow on to their PS2's, that is one of the best handling platforms with which to launch this tire design.

I am a very spirited (professionally trained SCCA & NHRA) driver, probing the extents of the performance envelope when and where safely possible.

The wet and dry handling of the Michelins is excellent and steering / transient response are RIGHT NOW, handling as if on rails. Breakaway is consistent and easily manageable and the ride quality and comfort is quite good for this type of low profile, high performance tire. Braking is greatly improved with the EBC brake upgrade and these sticky gumballs, brakes being a weakness with the original car's set-up. So far the noise in minimal, but as with most ultra and max performance tires, I expect the noise to increase a bit with wear. I drove the Conti's hard for almost 40 K miles and hope to get similar mileage from these Michelins.

They are a bit pricey, but I think they are worth every cent.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Hankook Optimo H727

Thursday, September 6, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.


Hankook Optimo H727Reviewer's Overall Rating: 9.2

2003 Pontiac Montana 2wd
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle


Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 1,200
Location: CUMBERLAND, RI
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 1,200 Miles on Tires
August 25, 2012

I replaced a set of Yokohama that were only half worn out (that I bought from Tire Rack). The noise was driving me nuts. They sounded like the wheel bearing were going bad. As a matter of fact I replaced one hub bearing. And the noise was still there. Replaced rotors and brake pads and the noise was still there. Bought this set of tires and the noise went away.

The Best Brake Pads for Your Light Truck or SUV

Wednesday, August 1, 2012 by Zig Ziegler

Do you have a light truck or SUV that needs to increase stopping power beyond the current O.E. brakes? If you use your light truck or SUV for hauling or towing heavy loads and need a brake pad that can handle the high temperatures and extreme forces these vehicles encounter, you may need to consider a purpose built, heavy duty or severe duty brake pad. The Hawk LTS Truck/SUV Pads, Hawk HP Super Duty Brake Pads and Satisfied Pro SUV Pads will be able to deliver stopping power beyond your vehicle's stock brake pads.   

Hawk LTS Truck/SUV Pads
Hawk LTS Truck/SUV
Pads
Hawk HP Super Duty Brake Pads
Hawk HP Super Duty Brake Pads
Satisfied Pro SUV Pad
Satisfied Pro SUV
Pads

Hawk LTS Truck/SUV Pads - Designed for heavier vehicles with large brake systems likely to experience higher temperatures that require excellent heat dissipation characteristics.

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

Hawk HP Super Duty Pads - Hawk's Super Duty Ferro-Carbon material is engineered for severe-duty professional truck fleets, as well as trucks and SUVs frequently carrying or towing heavy loads. This material offers unmatched performance under high inertia and/or repetitive braking applications.

  • Stable friction output
  • Extremely fade resistant
  • Extended pad life
  • Increased rotor life
  • Much improved braking over O.E. pads

Satisfied Pro SUV Pads - Severe duty semi-metallic disc brake pads that meet the high-heat and high-speed demands of light truck applications, making them ideal for heavy vehicles that also tow.

  • Require less pedal pressure
  • Extend the life of the braking system
  • GridLock Technology to bond the friction material to the backing plate to eliminate torque shear and heat separation
  • 30-Day Satisfaction Pledge

Summer Road Trip? Use This Maintenance Checklist.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012 by Ben Rooney

Before setting off on your summer adventures, take some time to check your car over to ensure everything is in good running condition. A little bit of time spent in advance can save a lot of time and trouble on the road. The following is a good basic checklist to help get your vehicle prepared to take you wherever you want to go:

  1. Brakes - Since many traction control systems use the brakes to prevent wheelspin, they may be working extra hard during your winter driving in the snow. Therefore, it's a good idea to get your brake pads inspected once the weather begins to heat up. Checking your pads is easy when replacing your Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package for your summer options since the wheels will be off. There should be a noticeable thickness of pad material between the backing plate and the rotor. If the pads need to be replaced, there are cleaner, higher performing pad compounds available. Take a look at "Brake Pad or Rotor Inspection & Replacement" to gain a better understanding if it's time for new pads.
     
  2. Lighting - Recruit a friend or family member to stand outside the car while you turn on the vehicle's headlights, high beams, turn signals and step on the brakes. If they tell you one of those lights isn't working properly, take a look at our lighting options from Hella and PIAA to improve your visibility.
     
  3. Tire Pressure - Proper tire inflation can improve fuel economy, hydroplaning resistance and tire life. Make sure all four tires are inflated to the vehicle's specifications found in your owner's manual or on the door placard. Don't forget to check your spare tire, too. Also, be sure to have an air gauge in your car so you can check your tire's pressure while traveling.
     
  4. Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) - These systems only report tires that are significantly under-inflated, so checking tires yourself is still a good idea even if your car has TPMS sensors. While you're checking your tires' air pressure, also inspect them for damage and wear.
     
  5. Jack and Lug Wrench - If you're relying on a spare tire in case of a flat, make sure that you have a working jack and lug wrench. It's nice to have something to serve as a wheel chock to make sure the car doesn't shift and fall off the jack. Something as simple as a block of wood will do. If you have custom wheels, it's important to make sure the lug wrench fits. The wheels could also have locks, so don't get stranded without the key! And since the lug nuts are different from stock, have some stock lugs for the spare.
     
  6. Belts and Hoses - Check them for dry, cracking or rotting as the rubber may give way at an inconvenient time. Replacing these items is usually fairly inexpensive, and can save you trouble.
     
  7. Check Fluids - Checking oil regularly is a good idea for any car, especially older vehicles that may be more prone to leak or burn oil. Even some newer cars can consume up to a quart every 1,000 miles. Make sure to check your coolant as well. Warmer weather can be harder on your cooling system and you want to be sure it's up to the task.
     
  8. Windshield Wipers - Driving at highway speeds in the rain can be a challenge. Make sure that your wipers have survived the winter in good working order. Even with good wiper blades, consider applying a water-beading treatment from Aquapel to improve your vision in the rain.

Picking the Best SUV, Crossover and Truck Brake Pads

Tuesday, May 22, 2012 by Gary Stanley

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."

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport

Monday, May 7, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.


Bridgestone Potenza RE760 SportReviewer's Overall Rating: 8

2005 Scion tC
More Tire Reviews for This Vehicle


Buy/More Info
Miles driven on tires: 1,200
Location: Santa Clarita, CA
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 1,200 Miles on Tires
May 01, 2012

These tires transformed my grocery-getter tC into a worthy track machine. I drove my car to the limits on the tires that came on it, which were Goodyear Eagle RSA. Those are All-Season tires and they showed it in their grip levels. I canyon my car regularly to get to places around town, and the immediate improvement with these tires was staggering. My car now had the same traction my All-Seasons had in the dry, in rain with the Bridgestones. The dry traction on the Bridgestones is incredible. After they were installed, I also purchased drilled and slotted rotors with an aggressive brake pad to compliment the brakes, and took my car to Streets of Willow in Rosamond, CA. I was able to run successfully with Subaru STI's without falling behind on cornering, albeit my straight line speed lacked a huge amount of power.

Comfort wise, they are a definite improvement in smoothness on the regular road and even better on the highway. The noise levels are lower as well compared to the All-Seasons. I enjoy less banging and slamming over bumps with these tires and they do so without sacrificing traction and grip.

Treadwear however is the only thing that I see being the low point on these tires, but then again, I do a lot of driving(600 miles a week), and I purchased these UHP Summer Tires expecting to wear them out a tad sooner. I'm planning on rotation of these tires every 1.25-2k miles. And so far they still have 95% tread on the front axle and 100% on the rear.

Overall, these tires are an excellent replacement tire for any vehicle that sees moderate weather conditions. In the rain they give performance equal to a good quality All-Season without sacrificing the dry traction drivers of Summer Tires demand. A definite solid decision and I will certainly purchase these tires again. I highly recommend them to anyone considering them and all my friends like them too!

What is the Best Brake Rotor for Your Vehicle?

Wednesday, April 11, 2012 by Zig Ziegler

Choosing the proper brake rotor is determined by the vehicle you drive and how you drive it. The majority of vehicles produced will have solid vented rotors. However, some high-performance vehicles like BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi are built with slotted or cross-drilled rotors, which are also vented.
 

If you were happy with your stock rotor's performance and stopping power, then direct O.E. replacements such as Centric Plain 120 Series Rotors , Centric High Carbon Plain 125 Series Rotors or Brembo Replacement Rotors would be a good choice. 
 

Centric Plain 120 Series Rotor
Centric Plain 120
Series Rotor

 
Centric High Carbon Plain 125 Series
Centric High Carbon Plain
125 Series Rotor
Brembo Replacement Rotor
Brembo Replacement
Rotor

Vehicles built from the factory with solid vented rotors may cause you to be unhappy with the stopping power, in that case, you may benefit from an upgraded rotor. Additionally, if you would classify yourself as a more spirited or aggressive driver I would recommend upgrading your rotors. The most common upgrade is replacing your solid rotors with either slotted or drilled rotors.
 

Under high heat and heavy stopping conditions, the rotor actually gets so hot that when the brake pads and rotors make initial contact, the pads release exhaust gases from road grime, water and overheating. The small air bubbles that form between the pad and rotor contribute to a spongy pedal feel. The slotting or drilling of brake rotors gives those gases a quiet way to escape; thus allowing the pad to make quicker contact with the rotor and provide you a stiffer and more precise pedal feel. Upgrades would include Brembo rotors such as the Sport Drilled and Sport Slotted, StopTech's SportStop Drilled Rotor, DBA's 4000 Series T3 Rotor and 5000 Series T3 2-Piece Rotor and Power Slot's Power Slot Rotor.

 

Brembo Sport Drilled Rotors
Brembo Sport Drilled
Rotor
Brembo Sport Slotted Rotors
Brembo Sport Slotted
Rotor
Stop Tech SportStop Drilled Rotor
StopTech SportStop Drilled Rotor

 

DBA 4000 Series T3 Rotor
DBA 4000 Series
T3 Rotor
DBA 5000 Series
DBA 5000 Series T3
2-Piece Rotor
Power Slot Rotor
Power Slot
Rotor


Whether you're looking for Brembo brake rotors or another brand, you can shop by vehicle to find the replacement option that's right for your application.

Best Original Equipment Replacement Rotor? Stop and Take a Look to See if Centric is Right for You!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012 by Zig Ziegler

Centric Plain 120 Series RotorsMany vehicles are offered with optional sport packages which usually include upgrades to the engine, wheels, tires and braking system. When replacing your current rotors be sure you're getting the same level of performance from your new rotors. Centric takes the guess work out of purchasing Original Equipment replacement rotors.  
 

If you own a performance vehicle like the Audi RS4, Porsche 911, Corvette or BMW M3 that came with factory cross-drilled and vented rotors, the Centric Plain 120 Series Rotors will be made to the exact specifications.
 

Plain 120 Series Rotors feature a layer of Electrocoating that provides long lasting corrosion protection. The black Electrocoating is applied to the entire rotor with the exception of the braking surface which gives a more attractive rust-free appearance when compared to your Original Equipment rotors.
 

Centric also offers value-added benefits such as balancing, split castings for better heat transfer and a double disc ground braking surface for a non-directional friction area.
 

When looking for brakes online, be sure to shop by vehicle.

StopTech Rotors and Pads Now Available

Friday, January 20, 2012 by Marshall Wisler
For those looking for increased braking performance, we now offer the StopTech line of brake products, including a wide variety of rotors and pads for various fitments.

The StopTech SportStop Drilled Rotor is for use with stock calipers, carriers and lines. StopTech also offers a cryogenically treated rotor that can last up to three times longer than untreated rotors. Both rotors are one-piece direct replacement options that meet the Original Equipment standards.

Key Features and Benefits of the StopTech SportStop Drilled Rotor:
StopTech SportStop Drilled Rotor
  • Premium black E-coating finish to combat corrosion on the rotor hat and between the cooling vanes
  • Castings have important O.E. details including extractor and set screw holes
  • Superior cooling fin designs
  • Double disc ground finish
  • 100% fully machined finish including rotor hats
  • 100% inspected and mill-balanced
  • Lateral runout held to 0.002” or less
  • Meet or exceed rigid quality specifications, including cooling vane designs
The perfect complement to a StopTech rotor is the company's street performance line of pads. Featuring a slightly more aggressive compound than factory, these pads are perfect for an aggressive street driver looking for higher initial bite and leStopTech Street Performance Padsss resistance to fade.  

Although not a fully dedicated track pad, StopTech Street Performance Pads are also built to withstand the abuse of an occasional light track day or driving school. 

To learn more about how you can enhance your vehicle's appearance and braking performance, read "The Finish Touch: Brake Rotors."

Gift Certificates for the Car Nut in Your Life

Wednesday, November 16, 2011 by Gary Stanley
Did you knGift Certificatesow that Tire Rack has gift certificates available for purchase?

They're a great gift idea for that person you can't quite decide what to give. You can purchase gift certificates in any denomination from $25.00-$5,000.00 and have them sent via U.S. mail (3-5 days) or if you're a last minute shopper, the certificate can be emailed directly to the lucky recipient in as little as 24 hours. You can even include a personal message. Unlike many gift certificates, Tire Rack's certificates don't expire for five years, so your recipient can really take his or her time deciding just how to spend it. 

If you can't decide if your friend or family member is looking to replace brake rotors, buy adjustable shocks or purchase a set of affordable tires, our gift certificates allow them to purchase what they need for their vehicle!

Cost-Effective Quality Brake Rotors from Centric

Wednesday, October 19, 2011 by Marshall Wisler
As a sales speciCentric Premium Rotoralist 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. 

With the issues that arose from the driving abuse putting me in the market for new rotors, I went with the Centric Premium Rotor for several reasons. Featuring a high quality casting with a good internal cooling vane structure, these rotors help protect against warpage. In addition, the rotor face on both sides is machined to have a cross-hatch design to improve pad bed-in. Once more, these castings are completely dipped in an anti-corrosive material to resist oxidation. From my experience, this final measure is very rarely done and is not found on most cost-effective brands. Without this coating you will most often be left with a rusty rotor that isn't pleasing to the eye and is damaging to the rotor.

And, to help you choose the proper braking equipment for your vehicle, read "Choosing Brake Components." The Centric Premium Rotors have worked well on my new Eclipse and are available at a great price for a large variety of applications.

Shop by vehicle
to find the rotors that will help get rid of your vehicle's unwanted noise and vibration.

Say "Ah-Tay" for Brake Rotors

Friday, May 20, 2011 by Jonas Paeplow
ATE PremiumOne RotorAs soon as you see ATE PremiumOne® Rotors, you know they’re different. A distinctive set of elliptical grooves have been machined into the rotor face. A satin silver coating covers the entire rotor.

The patented RotorLife® Elliptical Groove Wear Indicator and MetaCote® protective coating deliver performance and convenience unequalled in other rotor lines.

The unique pattern you see on the face of the ATE PremiumOne Rotor is the RotorLife Elliptical Groove Wear Indicator. It’s a groove cut into the rotor surface at complementary angles to allow heat and gases to escape more easily from under the brake pad when it’s in contact with the rotor. Moving the gases out quickly reduces brake fade and extends pad life.

As an added feature, the RotorLife Groove shows you when it’s time to replace the rotor. When the groove’s worn away, it’s time for new rotors – simple as that.

Most rotors look good when they are first installed. But, after only a few trips their looks start to fade. They develop rust around the edges of the rotor face –- and sometimes over the whole rotor face -– making your car’s appearance less than it could be.

MetaCote protective coating provides an attractive, durable surface that helps prevent rust and corrosion and sheds water and dirt, to maintain a clean appearance. MetaCote protects against road salt, brake fluid and other corrosives, and it looks great behind alloy wheels. MetaCote also eliminates the need to use removeable coatings that need to be cleaned off prior to use, saving installation time.

"These brake rotors are great. Way better than OEM rotors. Car stops on a dime now even at highway speeds. I am very impressed with the product and would buy these rotors for every car I buy and the price is not that expensive for a slotted rotor." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review

ATE PremiumOne Rotors all feature an application-specific design. The brake parts that ATE make for your vehicle have been engineered to work with your vehicle’s brake system, vehicle weight and handling characteristics.

Unlike other rotors that take a one-size-fits-all approach, ATE PremiumOne Disc Brake Rotors are based on the Original Equipment design and engineered to tighter tolerances.

Squeaking Brakes?

Tuesday, February 15, 2011 by Mac McNabb
Hawk Performance Brake PadsHere are a few steps to help prevent squeaking in your brakes:

1. Grease the slide pins and use appropriate lubricants on all brake components.

2. Do your brake pads have noise abatement? Good brake pads have pre-installed shims to defend against vibration in the pad. Tapered leading and trailing edges on the surface of the pad also prevent chattering against the rotor.

3. There is a sequence that must be completed after installing new brake pads that beds/brandishes the pad to the rotor properly. It involves laying down a thin layer of brake pad material into the rotor to help with proper adhesion. It is important to remember that you must replace or turn your rotors after replacing brake pads to help ensure there is no more squeaking.

4. Reinstall the spring clips, as they are designed to prevent resonance and vibration. Without the spring clips you may experience excessive vibration that leads to brake noise. 

To see our complete selection of brake pads, shop by vehicle. Product information includes stopping power, noise and dust ratings.

Turning Rotors. Should I or Shouldn't I?

Friday, January 21, 2011 by Mac McNabb
ATE Brake RotorsAs spring nears, many drivers wonder if they should replace their rotors, or simply turn them? To address this question, there are a few basics to consider.

Technically speaking your brakes are an energy transfer device. They take the force of your vehicle and absorb it into the braking system, causing heat from the friction.

The bigger the "heat sync" or rotor, the better the chance of dispersing that energy and recovering in time to stop. The relationship between the pad and rotor is key in the strength and ability to dispense the heat for your brakes.  DBA Rotor

Will your car be affected if you choose to turn your rotors instead of replacing them? The answer depends on the manner in which you drive your vehicle. If you drive in a pedestrian manner and never push the limits of your car, turning your rotors would be allowed. If you push your vehicle's limits in a sporty manner, you may find yourself in a situation where your braking power is diminished and turning your rotors is not an option. However, rotors are inexpensive and can be changed for less than the cost of labor for turning.  

If you decide to replace your rotors, check out options by vehicle here.

Hawk Brake Pads for Your Light Truck or SUV

Friday, November 12, 2010 by Ed Singleton
Hawk Performance LTS PadsHawk Performance brake pads are excellent replacement pads for light duty trucks and SUVs. Hawk Performance LTS Brake Pads have a Ferro-Carbon Compound that was developed utilizing polymer research and carbon fiber processing. Take a look at some of the key features and benefits of the Hawk Performance LTS Brake Pad.
  • Smooth engagement
  • Extremely fade resistant
  • Low noise
  • Low dust
  • Extended pad life
  • Increased rotor life   

When it's time to replace your brake pads, Hawk Performance is the best option.

Acura Brake Pads at Tire Rack Stop Smoothly

Wednesday, August 25, 2010 by Chad Hocker
Meet your stopping needs with brakes and brake rotors available for your Acura. Don't worry about picking the wrong products. We check every order before we ship it out and offer lots of user reviews on the brake system products we sell. And our search results by vehicle will only generate a list of products that are specifically a fit for your vehicle.

Use our brake performance rating system too, to help you pick brakes that meet your needs. Ratings are provided in three categories: stopping power, low dust and noise. The more red dots you see the better stopping power, lower noise level and lower dust. Original Equipment (O.E.) replacement brake pads all the way up to all-out track pads are available.

Some of the most popular Acura brake pads available are:
Akebono ProACT Ceramic PadsHawk HPS Street Brake PadsHawk Performance Ceramic Brake Pads

Check now to see which brakes will work best for your Acura.