Brakes are one of the most critical components of any vehicle, responsible for safety and control. As car enthusiasts, we seek to enhance our vehicle’s performance which also includes brakes. However, is this upgrade suitable for everyone? In this guide, we’ll dive into some considerations, benefits, and potential drawbacks of upgrading your vehicle’s brakes.
Disclaimer
Before installing any modifications on a vehicle, it’s essential to consider safety, legal regulations, and the impact on warranty coverage. Always consult with a qualified mechanic or automotive expert for your vehicle before making any significant changes.
What does Upgrading Brakes Include?
Brake upgrades typically involve replacing stock brake components with higher-performance alternatives. This can include upgrading to larger brake rotors, calipers with more/larger pistons, high-performance brake pads, brake cooling ducts, higher-performance brake fluid and stainless steel brake lines.
Budget Suspension Modifications
Why Might You Want To Upgrade?
1. Improved Stopping Power
Upgrading brakes can significantly enhance a vehicle’s ability to stop quickly and safely, especially in high-performance driving situations or when towing heavy loads. Just ensure that you also upgrade your tires to ensure you don’t lose traction and slide on the pavement!
2. Looks
Upgraded brakes often feature larger rotors and more robust calipers, these fill out your wheels and often look more sporty and aesthetically pleasing! Calipers featuring brighter colors as well as drilled and slotted rotors are some of the best looking and most underrated exterior modifications available.
3. Enhanced Durability
High-performance brake components are often more robust and resistant to wear and tear, providing increased longevity and reliability, particularly in demanding driving conditions.
Why Might You Not Want To Upgrade?
1. Cost
Brake upgrades can be expensive, especially for high-performance brake kits. The cost of installation and ongoing maintenance should also be considered when planning on upgrading your brakes.
2. OEM Compatibility
Some brake upgrades may not be compatible with the vehicle’s existing systems or require additional modifications for proper fitment. Sometimes purchasing big brake kits will not clear your wheels so ensure you are taking this into consideration when upgrading your brakes as well.
3. Overkill for Daily Driving
For those who primarily use their vehicle for daily commuting or light duty tasks, the benefits of a brake upgrade may not justify the cost and effort involved! It is also worth mentioning that some brake kits will be noisy which can be irritating and even embarrassing for some, especially in daily driving scenarios.
FAQ
How much does a brake upgrade typically cost?
The cost of a brake upgrade can vary widely depending on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as the specific components chosen. It can range from a few hundred dollars for basic upgrades to several thousand dollars for some high-performance brake components!
How to Modify your Car on a Budget
Will upgrading my brakes void my vehicle’s warranty?
In most cases, upgrading your brakes should not void your vehicle’s warranty, as long as the modifications are performed properly and do not directly cause any issues covered by the warranty. However, it’s always best to check with your vehicle manufacturer or dealership to confirm.
Are there any legal considerations when upgrading brakes?
It’s essential to ensure that any brake upgrades comply with local regulations and safety standards. Modifications that affect the vehicle’s braking performance, such as changing the brake system’s hydraulic components, may require certification or approval from regulatory authorities. However, more than likely you will not run into any legal issues with upgrading brakes.
Conclusion
Upgrading your vehicle’s brakes can offer significant improvements in performance, safety, aesthetics and durability, making it a tempting and worthwhile modification for many car enthusiasts. However, the decision to upgrade should be carefully considered, taking into account factors such as cost, compatibility, and intended usage. Weighing the benefits and potential drawbacks, you can make an informed choice as to whether or not upgrading your brakes is right for you!
