There are a lot of choices to make when it comes to upgrading your car's braking system. One popular option is to switch from standard rotors to drilled and slotted brake rotors.
Table of Contents
But, are drilled and slotted rotors better? There is a lot of debate around this topic, with people on both sides of the argument. Some say that drilled and slotted rotors offer no benefits over standard rotors, while others claim that they provide superior braking performance.
While there is no definite answer, in this blog post, we are going to explore the pros and cons of drilled or slotted rotors and help you decide which is best for your car!
What Are Drilled And Slotted Rotors?
Drilled brake rotors are created when a hole is drilled through the center of the rotor. This hole allows for heat and gas to escape, which helps to keep the rotor cool. Drilled rotors are typically found on high-performance cars and are used in track racing applications.
Slotted brake rotors have slots cut into them that allow air and water to flow through the rotor. This helps to dissipate heat and keeps the rotor cooler. Slotted rotors are more common than drilled rotors and can be found on most standard cars.
What Are The Specific Qualities Of Drilled And Slotted Rotors?
No matter what rotor you get, there are going to be specific advantages to each. Before we dive into the qualities of drilled and slotted rotors, let's take a look at them separately.
What Are The Specific Qualities Of Drilled Brake Rotors?
Specifically, drilled brake rotors offer several real and theoretical advantages.
Better Heat Dissipation Under Extreme Braking Conditions
This will increase your ability to brake later into the turns because you won't have as much chance to overheat the rotors. In many cases, this can make a tremendous difference for those using trackpads that do not offer great heat capacity.
Improved Pad Bite And Reduced Pad Glaze
Glazed pads do not grip the rotors well. This is because, under braking, a thin layer of gas builds up between the pad and rotor surface due to excessive heat and pressure (the same principle behind a train's "horn" which emits a high pitch sound). Drilled rotors offer one of the best ways to help eliminate this.
Improved Water Dispersion Behind The Pad Under Wet Conditions
This helps with wet weather braking, which can be extremely dangerous on many twisty tracks! This can help save a life under wet conditions.
What Are The Specific Qualities Of Slotted Brake Rotors?
Meanwhile, slotted brake rotors offer different advantages.
Improved Heat Transfer Away From The Brake pad
This can help in high heat situations, such as when braking for a prolonged period (i.e., endurance racing). These smooth rotors also help to keep the rotor cool when lightly loaded or coasting at high speed.
Improved Cooling Under Normal Conditions
The slots will help to keep the rotor surface cool as normal driving wears down your pads. This can allow you to delay brake pad changes for several events, which saves both time and money!
When Do You Need Drilled And Slotted Rotors?
There are three things to consider when choosing a rotor.
- Rotor strength
- Braking performance
- Noise levels when braking
If you are looking for a better car braking performance and longer brake pad life, drilled and slotted rotors may be the best option for you.
However, if you are concerned about the strength of your rotor or the amount of noise your brakes make, standard rotors may be a better choice.
Talk to an experienced mechanic to help you decide which type of rotor is right for your car!
What Are The Benefits Of Drilled And Slotted Rotors?
Drilled and slotted brake rotors can offer a few advantages over standard brake rotors. Let's take a look at some of the benefits of each type.
Pros Of Drilled And Slotted Rotors
- Help dissipate heat faster than standard rotors, improving braking performance
- Help keep the car's brakes cooler, prolonging their life span
Additionally, slots on slotted or drilled rotors increase their strength by balancing out circular loads with opposing forces on both sides of the center hole. This reduces stress on the rotor material itself and can help you maintain better control through hard braking situations.
Why Do People Love Drilled And Slotted Rotors?
In today's brake market, the drilled and slotted rotor has been a hot topic of discussion among those doing brakes. Of course, Porsche fits these rotors as a standard item on many cars. But they are also offered as an upgrade for some other high-performance cars, both imports and domestic. Even motorcycles have them now. But why?
The simple answer is "better braking." However, there are several different reasons why this is the case. The first and most obvious reason is that drilled and slotted rotors look cool. For those of you who want to be able to brag about something, then these are the brakes for you!
Are There Any Drawbacks To Using Drilled And Slotted Rotors Over Standard Ones?
There are a few drawbacks to using drilled and slotted brake rotors.
Cons Of Drilled Rotors
- Drilling holes can make the rotors weaker and more prone to breaking
- Increase wear on your brake pads
Cons Of Slotted Rotors
- Can cause increased wear on the brake pads
- May cause more noise when you brake
Moreover, because they provide enhanced braking performance and a longer brake pad life, they may be more expensive than standard rotors.
How Much Do Drilled And Slotted Rotors Cost?
As mentioned, these rotors can be more expensive than standard ones. However, the improved braking performance and their longer life span make them a worthwhile investment.
Their price can range from around $50 to $200 per rotor, with drilled rotors being more affordable than slotted rotors.
Where To Get Drilled And Slotted Rotors For Your Car
There are a few places you can go to upgrade your car's brake rotors.
You can mostly find them at auto parts stores. You may also shop online to find the best selection and prices.
However, be sure to always do your research before buying them to get your money's worth. Talk to an experienced mechanic to help you decide which type of rotor is right for your car.
Are Drilled And Slotted Rotors Worth The Expense?
Absolutely, and many people swear by them.
So, if you would like to give it a try, you can shop our selection of drilled and slotted rotors at Road Cartel.
Road Cartel is a leading online retailer of drilled brake rotors, cross-drilled and slotted brake rotors, and cross-drilled slotted rotors. We provide the best prices for high-quality drillable brake components on the internet with a satisfaction guarantee.
We provide a wide range of rotor products with competitive pricing and quick shipping times without sacrificing quality.
Are Drilled And Slotted Brake Rotors Better?
There is a huge debate going on, especially in the world of luxury cars, about whether drilled and slotted rotors offer any true performance advantage. Many have said that it's just a gimmick to charge more money for something you can do yourself at home.
In truth, there ARE several different types of brake rotor surface treatments out there that will enhance a car's braking system. It really boils down to what you're looking for, and how much money you want to spend on your car. If you have the money and desire, then go for it! You won't be disappointed with the results.