Brakes: You need good ones. If you love driving, you need really good ones.
Most driving enthusiasts have experienced sudden, intense gratitude for their brakes' stopping power, whether at the end of a quick street straightaway or before carving into their favorite tight turn.
But even if you're a mellow driver who just wants to get from home to work without any fuss, all brake pads and rotors experience wear that can lead to poor performance and reduced safety. So they need to be professionally inspected regularly. In some cases, it's also a fine idea to service or replace brake hardware when you get new pads or rotors.
Always have a competent mechanic install new brake components, as incorrect installation can lead to major safety problems or even an accident. Then, the fun is gone.
To optimize your time behind the wheel, check out the guidelines below and let Maximum Motorsports know how we can help. We're happy to answer any questions to make fun (and safety) a bigger part of your life!
Tech Info: Street and Highway Use
- Install new brake pads when about 1/8" to 3/16" of friction material remains on the steel backing plate.
- Install new rotors before their thickness has reached the prescribed "Worn Rotor Minimum Thickness" limit (expressed in millimeters) engraved on the edge of the brake disc.
- Plain brake rotors can be turned on a brake lathe to remove scoring and true the disc surfaces, as long as they can maintain the minimum thickness. Some brake shops refuse to machine drilled or slotted rotors, so be prepared for that possibility. Your only option may be replacement.
Tech Info: Track and Competition Use
- Because they're exposed to extremes of heat and pressure, all brake system components (pads, rotors, calipers, lines, hardware, and fluid) must be compatible and should be inspected between race sessions.
- Brake pads and rotors should be replaced before they reach the wear limits described above.