High-Performance Brakes: Are They Worth It?

In the grand scheme of things, most stock OEM brakes are absolutely fine. They stop your car well enough, last long enough, and are affordable enough to make replacing them every few years not too unpleasant.

Those looking for an upgrade, however, or those who have noticed their stock brakes overheating or wearing too quickly, should strongly consider performance brakes. Depending on your circumstances, they may very well be worth the money. In fact, if your high-performance brakes make you feel even a smidge more comfortable behind the wheel, they’re a good investment.

What Are Performance Brakes?

Normal stock brakes on your daily-driver sedan can withstand about 200 degrees Celsius (approximately 400 degrees Fahrenheit). That’s good enough for your everyday stopping from sub-70-mph speeds.

Those who drive on the track, on the other hand, require something much more robust, as they’re travelling well over 150 mph.

High-performance car braking systems, particularly brake rotors, are engineered to withstand much higher temperatures – some up to 1000 degrees Celsius/1900 degrees Fahrenheit – for a short period of time.

If you plan on taking a sports car like the Chiron Super Sport on a track or two, performance Bugatti brakes are a necessity.

Racing Rotors: Slotted or Drilled?

Performance brakes can be upgraded to help your hyper car stop faster. These specialty rotors are typically cast iron and they generally work by dissipating heat more thoroughly and/or channeling particulates and water away from the pads. In some cases, race car brake rotors have been shown to reduce stopping times by as much as 37%.

These types of rotors typically fall into two categories: Slotted and cross-drilled.

1. Slotted

Pros:

• Improves brake output by removing gas and dust trapped between pads and rotors.
• Reduces friction
• Best for track performance
• Consistent, even braking

• Does not improve heat transfer
• Can wear down faster
• Can make noises when stopping

2. Cross-Drilled

Pros:

• Better braking power, especially during normal city-highway driving and for street performance
• Best in rain since they divert water away
• Longevity

• Can wear unevenly
• Easier for cracks to develop along the drill lines
• Cannot withstand multiple repeated heat-cool cycles, so not a great choice for frequent racers

There is another type of racing brake rotor: Slotted and cross-drilled.

Brake rotors that are drilled and slotted offer the best of both worlds, though they are not recommended for performance racing since cracks can form along the drill holes.

Performance Brake Pads: NAO, Metallic or Ceramic?

Friction material is what makes or breaks brake pads. There are numerous brake pad friction materials – from copper-free ceramic to organic to blends of several materials – and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

1. Organic Brake Pads

NAO brake pads, or non-asbestos organic brake pads, can contain a mixture of various materials (carbon, ceramic, rubber, fiber, even Kevlar).

Pros:

• Least expensive
• Friction compounds are “easier” on rotors

Cons:

• Can wear out faster
• Not great with repeated heavy braking and heat cycles
• Dust and debris can wear pad fabric unevenly
• Spongy pedal feel

2. Metallic

Metallic and semi-metallic brake pads have a higher metal content than NAO pads, which improves stopping power and longevity.

Pros:

• Superior heat transfer over NAO
• Longevity and improved fade resistance
• Performs well in cold and hot temperature extremes
• Firmer pedal feel

• Noisy
• Can create excessive dust
• Aggressive “bite” and friction can result in increased rotor wear

3. Ceramic

Ceramic is the latest in brake pad technology and offers a lot of the plusses of NAO and metallic pads. They utilize a mixture of kiln-fired ceramic materials (porcelain, for instance) carbon, fibers, graphite, and more.

Pros:

• More durable
• Quiet (frequency outside the range of human ears)
• Low wear and tear on rotors
• Little dust

• Most expensive
• Metallic pads are better in extreme temperatures

Choose Only the Best Performance Rotors & Brake Pads

Did you know that, due to brake fluid leaks, Ferrari brakes have been failing? Over 10,000 of their cars were recalled in 2021 because of issues related to fluid leaks and problems with brake boosters and brake pumps. This resulted in a class-action lawsuit and a number of damaged sports cars, some irreparably so.

“In June 2021, [the plaintiff’s] Ferrari displayed a message that said “Brake fluid low - Drive to dealer slowly,” so he drove home and pulled into his driveway in first gear. The plaintiff says he pressed the brake pedal but the car continued into his yard. He says he released his seat belt and jumped out of the Ferrari before it plunged into a 20-foot pond behind his house.

The Ferrari 488 GTB was taken to a salvage company and he settled with State Farm as the car was deemed a total loss.” - Per carcomplaints.com

Some of those who DIY installed aftermarket brake components for their Ferraris may have even been informed, when bringing their vehicle in for recall service, that their warranty was voided.

What’s the moral of the story? There are several:

1. Choose a hyper car that utilizes high-quality performance brakes.
2. Even the “best aftermarket brakes” and “rotor and brake pad kits” aren’t as good as OEM parts.
3. Always have your super car serviced at an authorized dealer/shop.

If you own a Bugatti in South Florida, that means you’ve already learned lesson #1. Bring your vehicle into Braman Bugatti in Miami to cross lesson #2 and #3 off your list. We’ve got genuine Bugatti brake pads and rotors for all Bugatti models. This includes stock carbon-ceramic Bugatti Chiron brakes, Bugatti Veyron brake calipers, and Bugatti brakes for one-off vehicles like the Divo and Centodieci. We can even get you information about ordering Bugatti 3D printed titanium brake parts, which are the newest craze!

Contact our Bugatti brake shop at (786) 577-5216 to speak with a technician. You can also schedule a Bugatti brake job online. We’re located at 2060 Biscayne Blvd and proudly serve Miami-Dade and all of South Florida, including Aventura, Key Biscayne, Ft. Lauderdale, Kendall, Coral Gables, and more.