4 Types of Brake Rotors: Select the Right One to Drive with Your Highest

With a hand on the steering wheel, eyes up ahead, your brain is running miles/sec. Yes, you got it right. We are pointing towards the time when you are driving a car. And during that time, the next thing you trust most after yourself is your vehicle’s braking system.

Now, if you don’t have a reliable braking system, it’s too dangerous! And one of the essential parts of the braking system is “brake rotors.” So, it’s necessary to choose the right brake rotor. But the problem is, there are different types of brake rotors in the market. Which one will be the right one for you?

No worries. Here I will guide you with the brake rotors and their types. Let’s get started!

Different Types of Brake Rotors

The brake rotor is a circular metal disc. It is connected to each wheel of a vehicle. Whenever you press the brake pedal, brake pads get squeezed together. And when it happens, brake rotors’ surface area produces friction. This friction slows down your vehicle and eventually stops it from moving. That’s how a brake rotor works.

Generally, there are four types of brake rotors. They are –

1. Blank & Smooth rotors

2. Drilled/ Cross drilled rotors.

3. Slotted rotors

4. Drilled & Slotted rotors

Let’s get to know some facts about each of them.

Blank & Smooth Rotors

As the name points, this type of rotor is just a blank sheet of metal. They don’t have any holes, scratches, or slots on them. Its surface is very smooth, earning them the name ‘smooth rotor.’

Automobile companies generally use blank rotors when they manufacture a car. It’s their favorite choice as it is less expensive and can provide long-lasting service. Also, blank rotors are suitable for almost all types of vehicles.

Pros:

· Suitable for all types of vehicles. You can use it in both a private car and also a massive truck.

· As there’s no hole and slot in it, it has less chance to break apart.

· Have a long lifespan.

· Pretty good for long races because of its endurance capacity.

· It’s inexpensive and budget-friendly.

Cons:

· As there’s no hole or slot, it can’t dissipate heat that well. So, it can get over-heated pretty quickly.

· So, all in all, blank rotors can be a pretty good choice unless you have the habit of driving aggressively.

Drilled/ Cross Drilled Rotors

Drilled rotors have holes drilled across it. It’s also a circle sheet of metal, just with some dents. The holes are generally in a pattern. Sometimes it’s in a cross pattern, and sometimes it’s in a floral design.

The holes are designed for heat dissipation. They are also an ideal path for water escape. Water escaping helps them to have a great bite on the road when it rains. It also allows drilled rotors to produce more friction. This increased friction is the main reason why they have an efficient ‘wet bite.’ So, these types of brake rotors are beneficial in rainy areas.

Pros:

· Effective heat dissipation

· Allows water to escape

· Offers a great ‘wet bite’

· Highly responsive towards the brake

· Best choice for frequent rainy regions

Cons:

· The holes drilled into the rotor makes them vulnerable to cracks.

· Comparatively short lifespan.

Slotted Rotors

There are some slots and lines carved on the surface of a brake rotor for a better experience. Because of the slots present in a rotor, it’s called a ‘slotted rotor.’

Slotted rotors are mainly suitable for heavy trucks, SUVs, and other heavy vehicles that can carry huge loads. They are also used in racing cars as they can endure extreme heat and allows hard breaking.

They are a little bit similar to the drilled rotors. The slots present on the surface helps in heat dissipation and water movement. But, before buying a slotted rotor, you have to check if it’s appropriately manufactured or not. If the slots aren’t carved carefully and correctly, your brake rotor will betray you, breaking into half when you brake hard.

Pros:

· Dissipate heat well.

· Allows water movement.

· Allows gases to expand when you brake.

· Tolerance to hard braking.

· It can be the right choice for racing cars.

Cons:

· It can break apart pretty quickly if not manufactured well.

· Have a short lifespan.

Drilled & Slotted Rotors

You have probably guessed the features of this rotor already. Yes, you have got it right. This rotor is a combination of both drilled rotors and slotted rotors. It was manufactured in want of developing a better rotor that can cover almost all requirements.

Drilled and slotted rotors have both holes and slots on the surface. That’s why it has a better heat-dissipating system than any other rotor — it responds immediately to the brake, reducing the chances of accidents.

Drilled and slotted rotors are mainly for sports cars and SUVs. But you can use it in other vehicles too.

Pros:

· Better heat dissipating system.

· Highly responsive.

· Allows water to pass through.

· As it has the characteristics of a drilled rotor, it is suitable for wet areas.

· It has the capability of delivering a tremendous amount of energy. Thus, it’s the right choice for heavy vehicles.

Cons:

· Drills make it vulnerable to cracks.

· Both drills and slots shorten the rotors’ lifespan.

Bottom Lines

We have tried to give you every necessary detail about all types of brake rotors. Now you can easily decide which one is best for you. You should select a rotor according to your vehicle and surrounding. Remember, the wrong choice can make you pay with your own life. So, think twice before choosing a brake rotor.

Lastly, no matter how expensive or efficient the rotor you use, your safety always depends on you. If you like to ride aggressively, it will be damaged frequently quickly. So, always buy the right brake rotors for your crazy driving.

Have a safe riding!