Why are rotors vented?

Vented Rotors

This channel (or vent) allows the rotor to shed more heat. This helps to prevent Brake Fade. Vented rotors are usually installed on the front axle due to the vehicle's Brake Bias. However, vehicles with a performance braking system can also have vented rotors on the rear axle.

Are vented rotors better?

The Pros Of Using Vented Rotors

Better heat dissipation: Vented rotors shed heat faster than solid rotors. Longevity: Vented rotors generally last longer than solid rotors. They're also less prone to cracking related to heat build up. Minimal brake pad wear: Smooth surfaces minimize brake pad wear.

Do I need vented brake rotors?

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.

What is the purpose of vented 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.

Why is the brake disc vented?

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.

Vented Rotors vs. Solid Rotors

Do vented discs last longer?

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

Can you replace vented rotors with solid?

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

Can you turn vented rotors?

The number one question we are asked at DBA USA is, “Can your rotors be turned or machined?” The easy answer is yes, they can. Somewhere along the way, someone started saying that slotted rotors couldn't be turned.

Why are drilled rotors better?

This gas and dust reduces the friction force by preventing the pad from fully contacting the rotor. Given the choice between drill holes and slots, the drill holes will give you better braking power over slots for normal city/highway driving.

Why do drilled and slotted rotors make noise?

When braking, cross-drilled and slotted rotors tend to make noise. A small popping noise is normal, as this is the sound of the pad going over the slots/holes. Unless you have full race brakes, a squealing sound is not normal.

Do coated rotors last longer?

While coated rotors do cost an additional amount, they are more durable and will last longer than uncoated rotors.

What type of rotors are best?

Are slotted rotors better than solid?

Because they're not drilled all the way through, they resist cracking significantly better. Also, racing brake pads actually need a little heat to be truly effective, Road & Track reports. As a result, if you're seeing a lot of track time, slotted brake rotors are better than drilled or solid ones.

Are premium brake rotors worth it?

Premium brake pads use higher quality materials which typically have lower wear, and therefore a longer service life. Some pads are designed specifically for longer service life and will also wear more evenly than lower quality pads. It is important to pair new pads with new rotors to capitalize on this benefit.

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.

Are drilled and slotted rotors less likely to warp?

Upgrade to cross drilled rotors or cross drilled & slotted rotors to prevent warped brake rotors. Cross drilled rotors and cross drilled and slotted rotors will provide better heat ventilation. It will bring the temperature of the rotor down to a point where heat spots are least likely to form.

Do slotted rotors wear pads faster?

Slotted brake rotors are not without their disadvantages: They tend to have a shorter life compared with other types of brake rotors, and may shorten the life of brake pads as well.

Can you use any brake pads with drilled and slotted rotors?

Ceramic pads work fine on cross drill slotted rotors. Metallic pads will work just as well, up to a point. Ceramic pads tend to last longer than metallic pads and score the rotors less. Under extreme braking conditions, a ceramic pad will dissipate heat and cool down faster than a metallic pad.

Are Blank rotors better?

Blank rotors provide the best braking during regular operation. Slotted rotors are such because they improve performance during heavy and prolonged braking. If it were my car, I'd rather spend the money on high-heat racing pads and race-grade brake fluid (which boils at a much higher temperature).

What happens if I don't resurface my rotors?

There is no need to resurface them as this may actually produce runout and will reduce their service life. If your vehicle originally included brake rotors with a separate hub and disc (composite rotors) they can safely be replaced with cast iron brake rotors.

Should you turn drilled rotors?

It is essential to occasionally resurface and turn your drilled and slotted motor rotors to increase your vehicle's braking system's performance and braking power longevity. Drilled and slotted rotors in bad condition can severely damage your brake pads.

What is the benefit of drilled and slotted rotors?

Drilled and slotted rotors are brake rotors with holes and slots in them. They're designed to evacuate the moisture and brake dust generated during braking, facilitate the cooling of your brake disc, and increase your contact friction for superior brake performance.

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.