Petrolheads, like all car enthusiasts, have a strong desire to make their cars faster. However, those who truly have a passion for modifying cars understand that it is important to take a all round approach.
This means that in addition to increasing power and improving handling, it is crucial to improve the braking performance of the vehicle. After all the faster you go the faster you need to slow down.
In this article, Driving tips Cambodia: we discuss Performance Brake Upgrades and the various components that can help ensure that your car stops as well as it goes.
Slotted Disc Rotors
One popular choice and easy upgrade among enthusiasts is slotted brake discs. these are preferred over cross drilled rotors as they are less prone to warping and cracking over time.
Slotted rotors provide better cooling properties than standard discs, allowing for improved heat dissipation. This means that you can make longer and more aggressive braking before experiencing any pedal fade.
However, it is important to note that cross drilled rotors do offer even better cooling properties, but as mentioned they can be more prone to warping and cracking.
Performance Brake Pads
In addition to upgrading the rotors, it is important to consider the brake pads. High-performance or high-friction brake pads can significantly improve stopping performance. When the brake pedal is pressed, the brake fluid forces the brake pads to squeeze against the rotors, creating friction that slows down and stops the car. Therefore, using high-performance pads can further enhance this friction, resulting in better braking performance. However, it is important to note that aggressive pads may produce more brake dust than OEM units. Additionally, racing pads may take longer to warm up, meaning that your braking power may be lower until they reach the optimal operating temperature. Some pads may also wear out sooner and potentially damage the rotors, so it is vital to choose a reputable brand.
Big Brake Kits
As the ultimate upgrade to further enhance braking performance, serious enthusiast or racers will opt for a big brake kit (BBK).
This is one of the best modifications for those who want better braking and a sportier look for their car. The larger discs in a BBK provide a wider surface area, which improves heat dissipation even further. This allows for increased stopping power and reduces the likelihood of brake fade, especially for drivers who enjoy track days.
Braided Brake Hoses
To improve brake feel, a very effective upgrade is to add braided brake lines or hoses. Unlike regular rubber lines, braided lines are reinforced with a steel braid. This prevents the lines from expanding under heavy braking, providing a stiffer and more consistent pedal feel. When non-braided lines expand, the brake pedal travel becomes longer, as the fluid and pressure in the lines are not directed towards the callipers.
Brake Fluid
A simple yet much overlooked change is to change the braking fluid. To achieve optimal performance of the braking system, we recommended a minimum of Dot 4 brake fluid.
Dot 4 brake fluid has a higher boiling point, which is important during track days.
When brake fluid heats up and boils, bubbles can form in the system. This can potentially lead to brake fade, as the fluid bubbles it can’t be compressed for the brakes to work. Therefore, using high temperature brake fluid with a higher boiling point reduces the risk of brake failure.
However, it is important to have the system properly bled by a mechanic to avoid mixing Dot 3 and Dot 4 fluids.
Grip to the Road
While upgrading the various braking components mentioned above is important, it is equally important to consider the tires. After all, the braking performance of the car reaches the road through the tires. Therefore, it is crucial to have a set of high performance tires that match the capabilities of the upgraded braking system.
High performance tires use softer rubber and more grip compared to regular tires.
They also have stiffer sidewalls, which further enhance their ability to transfer grip.
As the only part of the car constantly in contact with the road, tires play a vital role in power transfer, handling, and braking.
In conclusion, for true car enthusiasts, modifying a car to go faster involves more than just increasing power and improving handling. It is essential to enhance the braking performance as well.
Upgrading to slotted rotors, a big brake kit, high-performance brake pads, braided brake lines, and high-temperature brake fluid can significantly improve the stopping power of a car.
However, it is equally important to match these upgrades with a set of high-performance tires to ensure optimal performance. By taking a holistic approach to car modification, enthusiasts can truly enjoy the thrill of a fast and well-controlled ride.
We hope the Driving Tips Cambodia: Performance Brake Upgrades article was of help. If you’re driving fast, stay safe.