High-Performance Brakes for Racing & Street Cars

Brakes Explained

For performance car enthusiasts, the braking system isn’t just about safety; it’s about precision control and the ability to handle high-speed maneuvers with confidence. Upgrading your brakes is a crucial step in enhancing your vehicle’s performance capabilities.

Understanding the Basics of Braking Systems

At the core of vehicle safety, the braking system uses pressure and friction to bring your high-powered car to a stop. This system consists of several key components: the pedal, the brake fluid, calipers, pads, and either discs or drums. A flaw in any of these parts can significantly affect your car’s stopping power and overall performance.

The Hydraulic System: Translating Pressure into Stopping Power

The heart of your car’s braking ability lies in its hydraulic system. When you press the brake pedal, a lever activates the master brake cylinder holding the brake fluid, transferring the pressure to the calipers and then to the pads. This action creates the necessary friction against the rotors or drums, slowing down your car with precision. Understanding this system’s intricacies is key to optimizing your vehicle’s braking performance.

Difference in Performance: Disc vs Drum Brakes

Disc brakes, visible through the wheel, consist of a metal disc, caliper, and brake pads. When engaged, they clamp onto the disc, slowing the vehicle with high efficiency. In contrast, drum brakes, often found in older or more budget-friendly models, use a drum and brake shoes to create stopping power. While disc brakes offer better heat dissipation and shorter stopping distances, essential for high-speed driving, drum brakes are simpler and more cost-effective for everyday vehicles.

Carbon Ceramic Brakes: The Ultimate Upgrade

For those seeking the pinnacle of performance braking, carbon ceramic brakes are the go-to choice. These advanced systems use carbon-ceramic materials that provide superior heat resistance, less brake fade, and a significant reduction in weight compared to traditional iron discs. This reduction in unsprung weight enhances handling, acceleration, and braking efficiency, making them ideal for both track and high-performance road use. Carbon ceramic brakes are known for their longevity and consistent performance, even under extreme conditions, making them a worthy investment for serious enthusiasts.

Improving Stopping Distances with High-Performance Brakes

Upgrading to high-performance brake systems, like those found in sports cars and supercars, can dramatically improve your vehicle’s stopping power. These systems, designed to withstand intense conditions, feature enhanced components such as multi-piston calipers, high-grade performance brake pads, and drilled or slotted rotors for better heat management. This upgrade is crucial for track days, spirited driving, or simply for an added level of safety and control.

Customization: Tailoring to Your Needs

Every enthusiast has unique needs, and braking systems are no exception. Whether you’re looking to improve your car’s handling for track days or seeking a more responsive feel in urban driving, there are various upgrades to explore. From lightweight rotors that reduce unsprung weight to specialized brake pads for different weather conditions, customizing your braking system can have a significant impact on your driving experience.

Practical Tips for Maintenance and Upgrades

Regular inspections and maintenance are vital. Check your brake fluid quality, as it’s crucial for transferring force. Replace worn brake pads, discs/rotors, and calipers as needed. Remember, high-performance parts not only enhance efficiency but also contribute to the longevity of your braking system.

In conclusion, upgrading your braking system is about more than just stopping power; it’s about enhancing the performance, safety, and responsiveness of your vehicle. Whether you’re on the track or the street, the right brakes can transform your driving experience.

Frequently Asked Questions about Brakes

What is the legal limit for brake pads in the UK?

In the UK, the legal limit for brake pads is a minimum thickness of 1.5 millimetres. If the brake pads wear down to this thickness or below, they should be replaced to ensure safe braking performance.

How often should I change my brake pads?

The frequency of changing brake pads vary based on use and the type of brake pads used. However, a general guideline is:

Every 30,000 to 70,000 miles for standard brake pads.
Every 20,000 to 50,000 miles for high-performance brake pads.

It's important to check your brake pads for wear and listen for any unusual noises like brake squeal or grinding. Modern cars have brake pad sensors which help.

Do Brembo brakes make a difference?

Brembo brakes are known for their high performance and can significantly enhance your vehicle's braking capabilities. Here are some key benefits:

Improved Stopping Power: Brembo brakes provide superior stopping power compared to standard brakes, allowing for quicker and more efficient braking.
Heat Dissipation: They are designed to dissipate heat more effectively, reducing the risk of brake fade during intense driving conditions.
Durability: Brembo products are built with high-quality materials, ensuring longer lifespan and reliability.
Enhanced Performance: They offer better pedal feel and responsiveness, contributing to overall driving performance.
Variety of Options: Brembo offers a range of brake systems suitable for different driving styles, from everyday use to high-performance racing.

Does BMW use Brembo brakes?

Yes, BMW does use Brembo brakes in some of its models. Brembo is a well-known manufacturer of high-performance braking systems, and BMW incorporates their technology in various vehicles, particularly in sportier models and performance variants.

Brembo brakes are often found in models like the BMW M series.
They provide enhanced braking performance and heat dissipation.
Some BMW models may also offer Brembo as an optional upgrade.

Is it cheaper to buy your own brakes?

Buying your own brake pads + discs (rotors) can be cheaper than having a garage order them for you, depends if they put a markup on the parts. Here are some factors to consider:

Cost of Parts: Retail prices for brake parts can be lower if the garage or dealer is charging a markup
Availability: Online marketplaces like Compare.Parts offer competitive prices and discounts.
Installation Costs: If you choose to install the brakes yourself, you'll save on labour costs.
Options: You can select from a range of brands and quality levels to fit your budget, from budget to high-end.
Ease of Installation: With the right tools, Brake Pads are relatively simple to change, However, Brake Discs require a bit more work as you'll have to remove the caliper.

As brakes are a vital component of a car, if you aren't sure or confident in your ability, bearing in mind the cost vs risk factor, it might be worth going to a reputable garage. Plus changing brakes is messy work!

What is the best performance brake brand?

There are several top brands known for performance brake components. Here are some of the best:

Brembo - Renowned for high-quality brake systems, often used in motorsports.
AP Racing - Specialises in racing brakes, offering exceptional stopping power.
Wilwood - Known for lightweight and high-performance brake kits.
EBC Brakes - Offers a wide range of performance brake pads and discs.
StopTech - Focuses on balanced braking performance and innovative designs.

Do upgraded brakes make a difference?

Upgraded brakes can significantly enhance your vehicle's performance and safety. Here are some key benefits:

Improved Stopping Power: Upgraded brakes often provide better stopping distances, allowing for quicker and more effective braking.
Heat Dissipation: High-performance brake systems are designed to handle heat better, reducing brake fade during heavy use.
Enhanced Durability: Quality brake components can withstand wear and tear more effectively, leading to a longer lifespan.
Better Pedal Feel: Upgraded brakes can offer a more responsive and consistent pedal feel, improving driver confidence.
Increased Performance: For performance vehicles, upgraded brakes can complement other enhancements, improving overall handling and control.

What is the difference between performance and regular brake pads?

Performance brake pads and regular brake pads differ primarily in their materials, design, and intended use:

Material: Performance brake pads are often made from high-friction materials such as carbon or ceramic composites, while regular brake pads typically use organic or semi-metallic materials.
Heat Resistance: Performance pads are designed to withstand higher temperatures without fading, making them suitable for aggressive driving or racing conditions. Regular pads may lose effectiveness under high heat.
Stopping Power: Performance brake pads provide enhanced stopping power and shorter stopping distances, whereas regular pads offer adequate performance for everyday driving.
Noise and Dust: Performance pads may produce more noise and dust due to their materials, while regular pads are generally quieter and create less dust.
Durability: Performance pads may wear out faster under normal driving conditions compared to regular pads, which are designed for longevity in everyday use.

Do performance brakes stop faster?

Performance brakes are designed to provide improved stopping power compared to standard brakes. They typically feature larger rotors, high-friction brake pads, and better heat dissipation. This combination allows for:

Increased stopping power: Enhanced materials and design improve braking efficiency.
Better heat management: Performance brakes resist fade during prolonged use, maintaining effectiveness.
Improved pedal feel: They often provide a more responsive and consistent braking experience.

These factors contribute to faster stopping distances, especially under demanding driving conditions.

Do performance brake discs make a difference?

Performance brake discs can significantly enhance your vehicle's braking capabilities. Here are some key benefits:

Improved Stopping Power: Performance discs often feature better materials and designs that provide increased friction, leading to shorter stopping distances.
Heat Dissipation: Many performance brake discs are designed to dissipate heat more effectively, reducing the risk of brake fade during intense driving conditions.
Enhanced Durability: These discs are typically made from higher-quality materials, which can lead to longer lifespan and better resistance to wear.
Better Performance in Wet Conditions: Some performance discs have grooves or slots that help channel water away, improving grip in wet weather.
Reduced Weight: Lightweight performance discs can improve overall vehicle handling and responsiveness.

Brakes