Features of Racing Brake Rotors

Racing Brake Rotors

Normal brake rotors cannot be used during racing. This is because during racing the breaking system is subjected to extreme conditions of heating, water and dust. Such conditions cause a normal braking rotor to fail and thus braking power is reduced and may cause accidents. To avoid such situations,brake racing special brake rotors are used during racing and are commonly known as Racing Brake Rotors.

Brake rotors are discs attached to the axel of a wheel. These discs rotate with the wheel. An assembly known as brake caliper is mounted on the disks. When brake pedal is pushed a hydraulic fluid causes the pistons housed in the brake caliper to apply pressure on the disc. The piston causes the brake pads to slide against the disk causing the car to stop.

These Rotors are made up of reinforced carbon alloys and composite materials. This increases their material properties. To further enhance their properties different coats are also used. The discs are cross drilled, dimpled and slotted to handle problems due to overheating, water and dust.

Features of Racing Brake Rotors

Racing rotors are made according to the requirements of a particular vehicle. A driver may use any among many features that can be used on racing brake rotors. Below are listed some of the commonly used features:

1. Composite Material

These are the best available brake rotors but since they are very expensive, not everyone can afford them. These are made with reinforced carbon material composite. This material is very light in weight, it has a very high coefficient of friction and it can stand temperatures at which a normal brake rotor would become bendable.

2. Cross Drills

Cross Drills provide a number of paths to get rid of the volatile gases and incandescent particles of friction material. Properly designed, drilled discs tend to operate cooler than non-drilled ventilated discs of the same design due the higher flow rates through the vents from the supplemental inlets and increased surface area in the hole.

3. Slots

Shallow, sharp edged bottom grooves are milled into cast iron discs to provide a path for the fire band of gases, friction material to be dissipated and it channels water through it as well. They do a good job of keeping the pad surface "clean" when they get really hot and they do a good job of venting gases.

4. Partially Dimpled Holes

With cross drilled holes the chances of cracking are significantly increased. Partially dimpled holes not only dissipate heat but also keep the disc crack resistant.

5. Zinc Coat

Black or silver colored zinc coat over the cast iron can help prevent rotor from rusting. Cast iron is a material that rusts very fast; therefore, coating it with zinc can help increase the life of the rotor.

6. Thermo Graphic Heat Paint

Thermo graphic heat paint is a paint that changes its color with the change in temperature. Using thermo graphic paint one can keep a good record of what temperatures the rotor had been subjected to.

7. Kangaroo Paw Ventilation

Kangaroo Paw ventilation is a patented form of disc that provides a ventilation path for heat. This type of racing brake rotor disc reduces the temperature significantly.