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Choosing the right brake kit for both track days and daily driving is one of the most important performance upgrades you can make. The best brake systems deliver consistent stopping power, resist heat buildup during aggressive driving, and remain smooth and predictable on the street. Whether you’re pushing hard at the track or commuting through traffic, brakes you can trust keep you in control and safe.
This guide covers everything you need to know about selecting, installing, and maintaining brake kits that excel in both environments. From understanding pad materials and rotor designs to comparing top brands like Brembo, StopTech, and Wilwood, you’ll learn how to build a braking system that matches your driving style and vehicle.
Why Upgrade Your Brake System for Track and Street Use?
Aggressive street driving and light track or rally events push your brakes to the limit. High speeds, sharp turns, and frequent, intense braking generate extreme heat and demand precision performance. Stock brake systems are designed for everyday driving and often struggle when subjected to repeated hard stops or sustained high temperatures.
Upgrading to big brake kits is one of the most effective ways to improve stopping power, reduce fade on repeat deceleration, and increase thermal capacity for track sessions. For street-driven cars the benefits include shorter stopping distances and improved pedal feel; for track cars, larger rotors and multi-piston calipers deliver more consistent brake torque under high temperatures.
The right brake kit balances performance with livability. You want components that can handle the punishment of track use without becoming noisy, dusty, or uncomfortable during your daily commute.
Understanding Brake Pad Materials: What Works Best for Dual-Duty Use
Brake pad material is one of the most critical factors in determining how your brakes perform across different conditions. The three main types—organic, semi-metallic, and ceramic—each offer distinct advantages and trade-offs.
Organic (Non-Asbestos Organic) Brake Pads
Organic brake pads are made of a mixture of common materials like rubber, carbon, glass/fiberglass and others, secured together by resin. These brake pads are suitable for everyday driving of non-performance vehicles and don’t produce much heat with stopping. They’re quiet and gentle on rotors, but they wear quickly and don’t handle high temperatures well, making them unsuitable for track use.
Semi-Metallic Brake Pads
Semi metallic brake pads are between 30% and 70% metal, including copper, iron, steel, and other composite alloys. These various metals are combined with graphite lubricant and other fillers to complete the brake pad.
For performance vehicles, track driving or as the best brake pads for towing, most drivers prefer semi-metallic brake pads, as they provide better braking over a wider range of temperatures and conditions. They are made of material that conducts heat well, thus making them more able to withstand higher temperatures upon braking, while helping the system cool simultaneously.
Semi-metallic brake pads offer better high-performance braking. They heat up faster, maintain grip under extreme conditions, and are typically preferred for towing, hauling, and aggressive driving. The downside? They produce more noise and brake dust than ceramic pads, and they’re harder on rotors.
Ceramic Brake Pads
Ceramic brake pads are made from material very similar to the type of ceramic used to make pottery and plates. Ceramic brake pad material, however, is denser and considerably more durable. Ceramic brake pads also have fine copper fibers embedded within them, to help increase their friction and heat conductivity.
Ceramic brake pads, while quieter, are also able to handle extremely high temperatures with quick recovery, causing less damage to the brake rotors. As they wear, ceramic brake pads create a finer dust than semi-metallic brake pads, leaving less debris on the vehicle’s wheels. Ceramic brake pads typically last longer than semi-metallic brake pads, and through their lifespan, provide better noise control and less wear-and-tear to brake rotors, without sacrificing braking performance.
However, ceramic brake pads aren’t considered the best choice for extreme driving conditions. If you’re facing very cold weather or an upcoming race and you’re choosing between ceramic vs. semi metallic brake pads, you’ll want to go with metallic.
Which Pad Material for Track and Street?
For dual-duty use, semi-metallic pads are typically the best choice. They offer strong cold bite for street driving while maintaining performance when temperatures climb during track sessions. Many enthusiasts keep two sets of pads—milder semi-metallic or ceramic for the street, and aggressive track-focused compounds for competition use.
Rotor Design: Slotted vs. Drilled vs. Blank
Rotor design significantly impacts heat management, wet weather performance, and brake feel. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right setup for your needs.
Slotted Rotors
A slotted rotor has slots machined in a spiral pattern on the rotor surface. The unique design exists for two important reasons: The slots keep the rotor and brake pads clean. They do this by channeling any dust, dirt, moisture, etc. on the rotor or pad surface away from the rotor. The slots send these impurities into the air, essentially.
Slotted rotors do not improve any heat transfer. However, the slots can improve brake output by removing gas and dust that is trapped between the pad and rotor. This gas and dust reduces the friction force by preventing the pad from fully contacting the rotor.
Slotted rotors work very well for heavy trucks, SUVs, off road vehicles, tow trucks, and competition cars. They’re particularly effective for track use where consistent, hard braking generates significant heat and gas buildup.
Drilled Rotors
Drilled brake rotors have holes drilled through the disc surface, allowing heat, water, and gases to escape. This design helps prevent brake fade by keeping the rotor cooler, making drilled brake rotors ideal for wet conditions and daily driving.
The drill holes help air flow through the vanes. The brake temperature can drop up to 180 degrees. Brake pads work better at lower temperatures, and you reduce the risk of pulsating brakes as well.
However, drilled rotors can wear unevenly and may develop cracks when used in racing vehicles due to the heat and temperature extremes of a race. Drilled rotors are also a poor choice for race cars. They cannot withstand repeated heat and cool cycles very well, and will fail sooner rather than later as a result.
Drilled and Slotted Rotors
Drilled & slotted brake rotors offer the benefits of drilled and slotted rotors together. Like drilled rotors, they work well for wet climates where frequent rain is a consideration. They perform well, although not necessarily better than other styles of brake rotors. However, Drilled & slotted rotors are not recommended for performance racing since the drilling makes them vulnerable to cracking.
Blank (Smooth) Rotors
Far and away, most new cars come with blank rotors installed both for maximum effectiveness across driving conditions and for cost effectiveness. A top choice for endurance racers who need a brake pad that can hold up through a long race, as well as an overall inexpensive brake rotor choice, smooth or blank brake rotors can work very well for many needs. They tend to be the longest lasting overall, while also produce very little dust and are quiet to operate. It is precisely the plain nature of these brake rotors that makes them last longer: Without any drill holes or slots there is little room for cracks to develop.
Best Rotor Choice for Track and Street
Given the choice between drill holes and slots, the drill holes will give you better braking power over slots for normal city/highway driving. This is why high end BMW, Porsche, Corvette, and Mercedes rotors are drilled, not slotted. However, for track racing (high speed stops), slotted rotors are the better choice.
For dual-duty use, slotted rotors or high-quality blank rotors are typically the safest bet. They handle track heat without the cracking risk of drilled rotors while still managing gas and dust effectively.
Top Brake Kit Brands: Brembo, StopTech, Wilwood, and More
Several manufacturers dominate the performance brake market, each with distinct strengths and target audiences.
Brembo
In Brembo’s words, this is “the most sophisticated high performance braking system ever manufactured for a car”. Brembo has been around longer than Wilwood, since 1961. Brembo focuses on producing high quality performance brake parts with sustainability in mind.
There’s a handful of big brake kits to choose from amongst the Brembo product range. The Gran Turismo BM package is the next step up from a simple pad and rotor upgrade. This adds the choice of either drilled or slotted rotors (that are higher quality than Brembo’s entry-level TY3s), 4, 6, or 8-piston calipers, high-performance pads, and metal-braided hoses.
Brembo brakes are known for their sleek look and excellent braking performance. They are often used in motorsports and other applications where braking refinement is essential. Brembo brakes are known for having a higher price point to match the premium quality of the products.
StopTech
StopTech’s constant goal is to introduce the next greatest braking product and stay at the forefront of braking technology. High-quality brakes are StopTech’s specialty, and they’ve won awards and praise worldwide.
The performance and quality of StopTech are often superior to Wilwood, which is why the additional cost is often justified. You can find some great Wilwood options at a lower cost than StopTech, without sacrificing quality or performance.
Monoblock forged calipers provide higher stiffness and consistent pad contact; multi-piston designs improve pressure distribution across the pad. StopTech kits often include everything needed for installation, including stainless steel brake lines and performance pads.
Wilwood
Wilwood is one of the most established brands in the aftermarket performance braking industry. The USA-based company has been around since 1977. Over the last 4 decades, Wilwood has evolved with the rapidly-changing industry. Wilwood’s specialty lies in cost-effective high performance brake systems that outperform OEM brakes.
Wilwood brake kits are usually more affordable than Brembo brake kits. Wilwood brakes have a more modular design and are adaptable to a broader range of uses. Wilwood offers a broader range of products for applications outside of high-performance vehicles and motorsports.
Entry-level options or options for more compact cars tend to come with four pistons, whereas the more high-end Wilwood kits have six. Speaking of high-end kits, you can even source carbon-ceramic rotors from Wilwood, but unless you’re running an extreme heavyweight or a serious track/race/time attack car, then those are likely to be a bit overkill.
AP Racing
AP Racing has become one of the best braking system companies in the world, thanks to its ‘Race to Road’ approach to development. In short, all of AP’s core technology has been engineered to succeed on the race circuit, before trickling down into OEMs and the street performance aftermarket.
Which Brand Should You Choose?
For ultimate performance and brand prestige, Brembo leads the pack but comes at a premium price. StopTech offers an excellent balance of performance, quality, and value, making it popular for serious track enthusiasts who also drive on the street. Wilwood provides cost-effective solutions with good performance, particularly for those on tighter budgets or with less common vehicle applications.
Big Brake Kits: What They Include and Why They Matter
Big brake kits replace your stock components with larger, more capable parts designed to handle increased thermal loads and provide stronger stopping power.
What’s Included in a Big Brake Kit
A complete big brake kit typically includes:
- Larger diameter rotors – Increased surface area for better heat dissipation and more braking torque
- Multi-piston calipers – Usually 4, 6, or even 8 pistons for improved clamping force and pad pressure distribution
- Performance brake pads – Compounds designed for higher temperatures and better friction characteristics
- Stainless steel brake lines – Reduced expansion under pressure for firmer pedal feel
- Mounting brackets and hardware – Everything needed for proper fitment to your vehicle
Benefits of Big Brake Kits
With high-strength, larger rotors that offer more surface area for increased heat capacity and stronger/stiffer caliper materials, drivers can brake harder race after race without worrying about fade.
Rotors: Larger diameter and greater mass increase braking torque and heat capacity but add unsprung and rotational mass, which affects handling and acceleration. Two-piece rotors (aluminum hat + steel friction ring) reduce unsprung weight and improve thermal isolation.
The increased thermal capacity means you can brake later and harder on track without experiencing fade, while the improved pedal feel and modulation benefit street driving as well.
Cost Considerations
Entry-level big brake kits can start around 800-1,200 USD per axle, while high-end motorsport systems often exceed 3,000-5,000 USD per axle, depending on rotor material, caliper count, and whether rotors are one-piece or two-piece.
Vehicle Compatibility and Fitment
Not all brake kits fit all vehicles. Proper fitment is essential for safety and performance.
Check Compatibility First
Before purchasing any brake kit, verify that it’s designed for your specific vehicle make, model, and year. AP supply upgrade packages for models from: Audi, BMW, Ford, Honda, Jaguar, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen. Most manufacturers provide detailed fitment guides on their websites.
Wheel Clearance
Larger brake kits require adequate wheel clearance. Big brake kits often necessitate 18-inch or larger wheels. Always confirm that your wheels will clear the new calipers and rotors before purchasing.
Brake Bias and Balance
Pay attention to piston diameter balance front to rear to preserve brake bias. Upgrading only the front brakes without considering the rear can upset your vehicle’s brake balance, potentially causing instability under hard braking.
Installation: What You Need to Know
Installing a brake kit requires mechanical skill, proper tools, and attention to detail. While many enthusiasts perform the installation themselves, professional installation is recommended if you’re not experienced with brake work.
Basic Installation Steps
- Safely raise and support the vehicle
- Remove wheels and existing brake components
- Install mounting brackets (if required)
- Mount new rotors and calipers
- Install brake pads into calipers
- Connect brake lines
- Bleed the brake system thoroughly
- Check for proper clearance and fitment
- Test pedal feel before driving
Critical Installation Points
Torque all fasteners to manufacturer specifications. Use a torque wrench—this isn’t the place to guess. Ensure brake lines don’t contact suspension components or the chassis during full steering lock and suspension travel.
After installation, pump the brake pedal several times to seat the pads against the rotors. The pedal should feel firm before you attempt to drive the vehicle.
The Bedding-In Process: Essential for Performance
Bedding-in (also called break-in or burnishing) is a critical step that many people skip. This process transfers a thin layer of pad material onto the rotor surface, creating the optimal friction interface.
Why Bedding-In Matters
Bedding allows your brakes to reach their full potential. Until they are bedded, brakes simply do not work as well as they can. Proper bedding improves pedal feel, reduces or eliminates brake squeal, prevents (and often cures) brake judder, reduces brake dust, and extends the life of pads and rotors.
Standard Bedding-In Procedure
Make eight to ten near-stops from 60mph to about 20 mph. Do it HARD by pressing the brakes firmly, but do not lock the wheels or engage ABS. At the end of each slowdown, immediately accelerate back to 60mph, then apply the brakes again. DO NOT COME TO A COMPLETE STOP! If you stop completely, with your foot on the brake pedal, pad material will be imprinted onto the hot rotors, which could lead to vibration and uneven braking.
The brakes may begin to fade after the 7th or 8th near-stop. This fade will stabilize, but not completely go away until the brakes have fully cooled. A strong smell from the brakes, and even some smoke, is normal. After the last near-stop, accelerate back up to speed and cruise for a few minutes, using the brakes as little as possible to allow them to cool down.
Additional Bedding Notes
After the first break in cycle, the brakes may still not be fully broken in. A second bed-in cycle, AFTER the brakes have cooled down fully from the first cycle, may be necessary before the brakes really start to perform well. This is especially true if you have installed new pads on old rotors, since the pads need some usage to conform to the rotor wear pattern.
Perform the bedding procedure on a safe, low-traffic road where you can safely reach the required speeds. Avoid other vehicles and be aware that your braking behavior may confuse other drivers.
Maintenance: Keeping Your Brakes at Peak Performance
Regular maintenance ensures your brake system continues to perform reliably and safely.
Brake Fluid Service
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture over time. This lowers its boiling point and can lead to brake fade under hard use. Flush your brake fluid every 2-3 years to maintain braking efficiency. For track use, consider high-temperature brake fluid with a higher dry and wet boiling point.
Pad and Rotor Inspection
Check your brake pads every few thousand miles. Replace brake pads when they wear down to less than 1/8 inch to prevent rotor damage. Inspect rotors for cracks, excessive wear, or uneven surfaces. Measure rotor thickness and replace if below minimum specifications.
Caliper Maintenance
Clean calipers periodically to remove brake dust and debris. Check that pistons move freely and that slide pins (on floating calipers) are properly lubricated. Inspect brake lines for cracks, bulges, or damage.
Track Day Considerations
After track sessions, allow brakes to cool gradually. Avoid coming to a complete stop immediately after hard use, as this can cause pad material to transfer unevenly to hot rotors. Inspect all brake components after track days for signs of excessive wear or damage.
Choosing the Right Setup for Your Needs
The ideal brake setup depends on how you use your vehicle.
Street-Only Driving
If you rarely or never track your car, focus on quiet operation, low dust, and long pad life. Ceramic pads with quality blank or lightly slotted rotors work well. Stock calipers with upgraded pads and rotors may be sufficient.
Occasional Track Days (2-4 per year)
For occasional track use, semi-metallic pads with slotted rotors provide good performance without excessive noise or dust on the street. Consider keeping two sets of pads—street pads for daily driving and track pads for competition. A modest big brake kit can provide extra thermal capacity without breaking the bank.
Frequent Track Use
Serious track enthusiasts benefit from full big brake kits with multi-piston calipers, two-piece rotors, and aggressive pad compounds. Budget for more frequent pad and rotor replacement, as track use accelerates wear. High-temperature brake fluid and stainless steel lines are essential.
Mixed Use (Daily Driver + Track)
This is the most challenging scenario. Look for brake kits specifically marketed for dual-duty use. Semi-metallic pads offer the best compromise between street manners and track performance. Accept some additional noise and dust as the trade-off for track capability. Consider pad swaps before track events if you want to optimize for each environment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the Bedding Process
This is the most common mistake. Unbedded brakes won’t perform properly and may develop vibration or uneven wear.
Mixing Incompatible Components
Using pads and rotors not designed to work together can result in poor performance, excessive noise, or premature wear. Stick with matched components or consult with experts before mixing brands.
Ignoring Brake Fluid
Old, moisture-contaminated brake fluid is a common cause of brake fade and poor pedal feel. Don’t overlook this critical component.
Upgrading Only Front Brakes
While front brakes do most of the work, upgrading only the front without considering overall brake balance can cause handling issues and premature rear brake wear.
Buying Based on Looks Alone
Drilled and slotted rotors look aggressive, but they may not be the best choice for your application. Choose components based on performance needs, not just aesthetics.
Additional Performance Upgrades
Brake Cooling Ducts
Cooling: Venting, rotor vanes, ducting, and open caliper designs affect cooling. For hard track use, add brake ducts and consider directional or cross-drilled slots designed to reduce gas build-up while preserving structural integrity. Brake cooling ducts can significantly reduce brake temperatures during track use.
Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Stainless steel braided brake lines reduce expansion under pressure compared to rubber lines, providing firmer pedal feel and more consistent braking. They’re a relatively inexpensive upgrade that benefits both street and track driving.
Master Cylinder Upgrades
In some cases, upgrading to a larger or higher-quality master cylinder can improve pedal feel and modulation, especially when paired with big brake kits.
Real-World Recommendations
Budget-Conscious Setup ($800-1,500)
- Quality slotted rotors from R1 Concepts or PowerStop
- Semi-metallic performance pads (Hawk HP+, EBC Yellowstuff)
- Stainless steel brake lines
- High-temperature brake fluid
This setup provides noticeable improvement over stock for occasional track use without breaking the bank.
Mid-Range Performance Setup ($2,000-3,500)
- StopTech or Wilwood 4-piston big brake kit
- Two-piece slotted rotors
- Track-capable semi-metallic pads
- Stainless steel lines included in kit
- DOT 5.1 or racing brake fluid
This level provides serious track capability while remaining streetable for daily driving.
High-Performance Setup ($4,000+)
- Brembo Gran Turismo or AP Racing 6-piston kit
- Two-piece floating rotors
- Multiple pad compound options for different uses
- Brake cooling ducts
- Racing brake fluid (Motul RBF 660, Castrol SRF)
This setup handles serious track work while maintaining excellent street manners.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right brake kit for track and street use requires balancing performance, cost, and livability. Semi-metallic pads with slotted or quality blank rotors provide the best compromise for most dual-duty applications. Big brake kits from established manufacturers like Brembo, StopTech, and Wilwood offer proven performance and reliability.
Don’t skip the bedding-in process—it’s essential for optimal performance and longevity. Maintain your brake system with regular fluid changes, pad and rotor inspections, and proper cleaning. With the right components and proper care, your brake system will deliver confident, fade-free stopping power whether you’re navigating traffic or chasing lap times.
Remember that brakes are a safety-critical system. If you’re not confident in your ability to install or maintain brake components, seek professional help. The investment in proper installation and maintenance pays dividends in performance, reliability, and most importantly, safety.