What's the difference between solid and vented brake discs?

What's the difference between ventilated and solid discs? Ventilated discs are designed to run cooler than solid discs in normal operating conditions. Most modern trucks have ventilated brake discs but for some off-road and older models, solid discs or rotors are an option.

Are vented brake discs better?

You have a couple of options when it comes to brake rotors. Solid rotors that have a slightly larger surface and offer better durability and stopping power. Vented brake rotors that provide better cooling and are less likely to warp and fade, particularly when heat cycles spike up and down during a competition.

Are solid or vented rotors better?

Vented rotors are a better option than traditional solid rotors. They dissipate heat better and don't warp or fade as much as solid rotors.

Are vented and solid rotors interchangeable?

Solid and vented rotors are NOT interchangeable. To switch from one to the other, you may need new calipers, pads, brackets, etc.

What is a vented disc brake?

Vented brakes discs (not to be confused with drilled or perforated brake discs) are like two flat discs put together, one on top of the other, with gaps between to allow air flow. This helps the discs stay cool, improves braking and extends the life of the discs.

The Difference Between Solid and Vented Rotors

Do I need vented brake discs?

For better cooling, the front discs are usually ventilated. With high-performance cars, flow-optimised wheels may facilitate the cooling function. Ventilated disc brakes are easy to apply, guarantee a safe reduction of speed and can thus avoid accidents or reduce the consequences of accidents.

Do vented discs last longer?

Solid discs typically cost about 30% more than ventilated discs, but life-cycles can be four times longer.

How do I know what brake discs to buy?

The best way to ensure you get the correct brake discs is to check the diameter of the brake discs already fitted. The diameter and thickness of the disc is illustrated below. To measure the diameter you may not have to remove the wheel, however it would make the measuring process easier.

Can you put vented rotors on the rear?

Certain vehicle models can have either type, even within the same year. Some can have either solid or vented on the rear wheels. To be certain check out the rotors currently on the vehicle. You'll need to order the same type you find already on your vehicle.

What kind of rotors are best?

Drilled and slotted rotors do work particularly well for tow vehicles, trucks, and other cars that carry heavy loads. Heavier vehicles require more energy to come to a stop safely, and this type of brake rotor excels at delivering it. Drilled & slotted brake rotors are also are fine for general use in street vehicles.

What is the purpose of vented brake rotors?

A vented rotor typically consists of an inner and outer disc connected by ribs in between them. This setup allows them to dissipate heat faster. Since heat is the main culprit behind “brake fade” this is an important feature, and one you'll especially find important for performance models.

Are solid brakes good?

The first option is the solid brake rotor. This is a simple design and, as the name suggests, is a solid design usually made from iron. These are the cheapest rotors you can buy but are less effective at dissipating the heat caused from multiple hard stops, so are only suitable for the inner city runaround.

Why are vented discs fitted to some high performance vehicles?

Instead of having just a vent in between the two braking surfaces, these types of discs allow extra air flow around the disc in order to cool it more effectively. These types of discs are usually fitted to heavier and higher performance vehicles to help compensate for the extra heat that is generated through braking.

Which is better slotted or cross drilled?

Given the choice between drill holes and slots, the drill holes will give you better braking power over slots for normal city/highway driving. This is why high end BMW, Porsche, Corvette, and Mercedes rotors are drilled, not slotted. However, for track racing (high speed stops), slotted rotors are the better choice.

What brand of brake pads are the best?

Why are Brembo brakes so popular?

Many point out that Brembo brakes are prevalent because it's more cost-savvy for automakers to outsource to Brembo since that company already has a great product — rather than spending the money to research, develop, and market a competing product in-house.

How often should you change brake discs?

Generally, brake discs should last more than 50,000 miles on average, but a number of factors affect the lifespan. If you keep them well maintained and drive sensibly, you may be able to get up to 80,000 miles out of one set!

Are thicker brake discs better?

The larger rotors not only provide more power but they also put less strain on your forearms and shoulders since you don't need to pull the brakes as hard, keeping you fresher for longer and allowing you to ride more actively.

Are drilled discs better?

Drilled discs can cool down quicker than standard discs due to the increase in surface area. They also allow for quick expulsion of the gases, meaning you won't experience brake fade as quickly as you would on standard discs.

Why are drilled and slotted rotors better?

Slotted and drilled rotors offer enhanced brake grip for more efficient brake performance. When you're braking, the kinetic energy of your vehicle is converted into heat because of all the friction in your brakes. As a result, repeated braking leads to higher temperature rises.

Can you change brake discs without changing pads?

Is it better to change the brake pads and brake discs at the same time? This is one of the most frequently asked questions. The answer is YES. For example, the brake discs do not need to be changed if the car is relatively new and there is still a lot of disc life left.

Are Brembo brake discs good?

You can install Brembo brakes on a lot of cars after you've purchased it, but Brembo brakes are so notoriously reliable and high-performing that many car companies have partnered up to use Brembo brakes straight from the factory.

Do performance brake discs make a difference?

Sporting Brake Pads

With high-quality materials, you get improved thermal resistance and better performance in harsh driving conditions. Brake pads and rotors work in sync for their entire life together, making the selection of the right pad very important.

Are drilled and grooved discs worth it?

Removing heat

In addition, slotted and drilled surfaces are better than plain discs at regulating temperature during braking. By channelling away the heat generated between the braking surfaces of disc and pad, they improve the performance of the entire braking system.