Upgrading to big brake kits can significantly enhance a vehicle’s braking capabilities, offering a solution for drivers seeking an improvement in their overall driving experience. These comprehensive kits usually comprise larger diameter brake rotors coupled with more substantial calipers.
Advantages of Big Brake Kits
The key advantage of increased brake rotor size lies in the expanded surface area available for the brake pads. This larger area allows the pads to clamp onto the rotor with greater force, leading to a more robust and effective braking action.
Moreover, the added mass of bigger brake rotors contributes to better heat dissipation. During intense braking sessions, brakes tend to heat up, and if this heat isn’t adequately managed, it can lead to brake fade where the braking efficiency declines. The larger brake rotors found in big brake kits are adept at dispersing heat more effectively due to their increased surface area, mitigating the risk of brake fade and preserving optimal braking performance even under strenuous conditions.
Additionally, upgrading calipers as part of these kits ensures that the brake system can accommodate and utilize the larger brake
rotors effectively. Enhanced calipers provide improved clamping power, which is crucial for translating driver input into decisive stopping power.
Ultimately, by installing a big brake kit, drivers gain immediate benefits in stopping power and safety. This upgrade not only brings peace of mind but also elevates the vehicle’s handling characteristics during high-speed maneuvers or emergency braking scenarios.
In addition to their primary function of stopping the vehicle more efficiently, larger brake rotors and calipers have another critical benefit: they help dissipate heat more effectively. This is paramount because when brakes get too hot, particularly during intensive use such as in heavy traffic or on steep descents, they can suffer from brake fade. Brake fade occurs when the braking components overheat to a point where they lose their ability to create effective friction, making it harder to stop the vehicle.
By dissipating heat more effectively, these enhanced braking systems reduce the risk of brake fade significantly. This ensures that the braking performance remains consistent, even under demanding conditions.
Furthermore, this upgrade also leads to an improved pedal feel. Larger rotors and calipers provide a firmer and more progressive response than standard brakes do. Essentially, this means that when you press down on the brake pedal, the response feels more solid and increases steadily with pressure. This feature reduces the chances of locking up the brakes unexpectedly.
A better pedal feel not only contributes to safer driving by offering more control over braking force but also enhances driving pleasure by providing clearer feedback from the car’s braking system to the driver.
Disadvantages of Big Brake Kits
Installing a big brake kit on your vehicle might initially seem like an attractive way to enhance braking performance. However, this upgrade does not come without its own set of challenges and considerations.
Firstly, one significant downside is the cost involved. Big brake kits are typically more expensive than the vehicle’s original stock brakes. This price difference doesn’t just apply at the time of purchase but extends to maintenance and repairs as well. Finding replacements parts or servicing big brake kits can be a costly affair due to their specialized nature.
Moreover, another critical aspect to consider is the impact on your vehicle’s weight. Big brake kits usually weigh more than standard brakes, which could potentially affect the car’s weight distribution and handling characteristics. Such changes might lead to a different driving feel or even necessitate further modifications to maintain or improve handling performance.
While big brake kits offer improved stopping power, it is essential to weigh these benefits against the increased costs and potential impacts on vehicle dynamics before making a decision. Understanding these trade-offs is crucial for any car enthusiast contemplating this enhancement for their vehicle.
The most important question is that are big brake kits worth the cost? Ultimately, installing a big brake kit will depend on how much you drive, how you drive, what road surfaces you encounter and how often you drive in extreme conditions like track days or off-road excursions. If you take it easy on the road and mostly drive in the city, you should spend the big brake kit money on something else. However, if you are an aggressive driver and/or you visit race tracks often, then a big brake kit is a no brainer because in this case, bigger is better!
