Big brake kits are a must-have for enthusiasts seeking greater stopping power and better overall handling for their car.
But as with any modification, big brake kits have their downsides, too.
Let’s look at the benefits and potential negatives of installing a big brake kit on your car.
THE GOOD
Big brake kits offer a lot better stopping power compared to stock or OEM brakes.
Their larger size and disc area, coupled with grippier brake pads, will shorten stopping distances, too.
When you combine these larger discs and rotors with braided brake cables, the results can be immensely satisfying.
There are many types of aftermarket discs. Drivers have a plethora of options, from cross-drilled discs to slotted ones.
If you constantly do track days and have the spare cash, carbon-ceramic discs are a must.
These stand up to the punishing conditions of racetracks really well, and can provide reliable stopping power with little to no fade
Pros
+ Better stopping power and shorter distances, even in wet conditions
+ Aesthetically more pleasing to look at
+ Safer to use on track
THE BAD
Big brake kits are a no-go without upgrading your wheels and tyres.
The larger size discs require more space, which means buying larger wheels.
You might be thinking this is okay since you want those bigger and grippier tyres as well.
However, bear in mind that bigger tyres cost more than smaller ones.
And high-performance/ultra high-performance tyres in larger sizes cost hell of a lot more than their smaller counterparts.
The larger wheels and tyres may also be detrimental to your vehicle’s ride comfort.
Cons
– Big brake kits cost a lot more money
– You’ll also have to spend some more on wheels and tyres
– You’ll spend even more getting better suspension components, which will really tie all these improvements together
What should you do if you have squeaky brakes?