Which brake discs are better

Which brake discs are better? Drivers ask this question when it is time to change the corresponding spare parts. The answer depends on driving style, price segment and the choice of a particular manufacturer. When choosing from a wide range, always pay attention to the technical characteristics of the disc - so that it is suitable for a particular car, and does not spoil the brake pads, but creates the most effective friction pair.

However, this choice is so large that a reasonable question arises - which brake discs to put in? Therefore, in addition to the objective factors of choice, it is also worth paying attention to the reviews and real experience of car owners who have already used certain discs.

It is for this case, taking into account the experience of use, technical characteristics and features, that the rating of the most popular brands of brake discs is presented. Based on it, it will be easier to make a choice. And buy the best wheels.

Types of brake discs

The discussion of the question of which brake discs are best to install should begin with a discussion of their types. By price, conventionally all brake discs can be divided into three classes:

• economy;
• mid-price;
• premium class.

However, the price is not a basic indicator when choosing a particular disk. It is important to know the design features of this car part.

Ventilated brake discs

Often this type is put on the front axle of the car. Their point is to provide better cooling. They consist of two plates of the same diameter, which are connected by several dozen jumpers, but there is also an air gap between them (usually its value is about one centimeter). The air gap is necessary to ensure heat dissipation during braking. On some drives, the jumpers are curved. This is done specifically so that during rotation, these jumpers turn into a kind of fan blades, which dissipate heat. Such discs effectively cope with braking even under significant loads with strong heating.

Perforated discs

In such disks, several dozen holes are drilled around their entire perimeter. Their effectiveness is much less than the aesthetic appearance. The fact is that in the composition of the brake pads there is a bonding agent, which disintegrates at high temperatures. This is especially true for old and budget pads.

At high temperatures, the bonding agent also disintegrates, forming a gas layer, which prevents the block from pressing against the disc due to the fact that there is excess pressure between their working surfaces. And just the holes on the perforated discs are designed to remove these gases, as well as to remove the wear products of the pads themselves.

Therefore, a pair of cheap pads and perforated discs will be more efficient than ventilated ones, but not justified by this cost.

Among the disadvantages of perforated discs is that due to the holes there is a smaller friction area and heat removal area. And this negatively affects the installation of more expensive pads. In addition, the holes, during the operation of the disk, become points of stress with a wide range of changes in operating temperature. And this can lead to cracks, especially in the long run.

The fact is that when braking, the working surface of the disc will be hotter than the holes themselves. This leads to a temperature skew, the consequence of which is a gradual failure of the disk. It is for this reason that they are practically not used in motorsport. However, for cars used in urban mode, they can be installed. Especially when aesthetics are important.

notched discs

The notches on the discs perform the same function as the holes on the perforated discs. However, to this is added the action when, with each revolution of the disc, they clean the rubbing surface of the brake pads. An additional advantage of such notches is that the pads cling to their edges better. However, this can lead to the block failing ahead of time (especially if it is budget and / or low quality). Notched discs are better than perforated discs, but only paired with quality pads is recommended.

How to choose the right brake disc

in order to answer the question of what is better to put brake discs on the car. In addition to considering which pads will be installed, you also need to decide on the driving style and technical capabilities of the installation.

namely, if the driving style is moderate, without sudden accelerations and stops, the driving speed is low (it is supposed to use the car in urban conditions), and the car itself belongs to the budget or mid-price class, then it is quite possible to choose disks belonging to the economy class for it. Usually these are non-ventilated, one-piece discs (without perforation).

If the driving style is more aggressive, and the car is often used at high speeds, then it is worth buying more expensive discs, including those with perforation / notches. Their design, as well as the alloys used in the manufacture, allow the use of discs for braking a car in extreme conditions.

Ideally, the brake disc should match the brake pad not only in terms of wear resistance class, but also in terms of brand (of course, if it is not a fake). Or at least manufacturing technology. This will ensure their optimal pairing. If you choose, for example, an expensive disc and cheap low-quality pads, then this will certainly lead to a situation where not only the pads will quickly fail, but the brake disc may also be damaged.

The choice of one or another brake disc must also be based on its geometry. The larger the disc, the better the heat dissipation. However, there is a limitation on the diameter of the rims. Similar reasoning is also valid for its thickness. The thicker the disk, the better its heat absorption and return, and it can also withstand higher operating temperatures. It is desirable that the disk be ventilated. This is especially true for SUVs and crossovers. Since the presence of air ducts for cooling the brakes improves braking efficiency.

You should also remember about the mounting dimensions of the disc for a particular car. This applies to the diameter and height of the hub part, the number, size and location of the mounting holes on the disc body and other geometric parameters.

If all these reasons are analyzed, then we can say that in terms of durability of use, perforated discs are the most short-lived, followed by notched discs, and solid ventilated discs will be the most durable. Therefore, perforated discs can be used if the mass of the car is small, the driver adheres to a moderate driving style, and at the same time, a car enthusiast believes that perforated discs will decorate the car in terms of aesthetics. As for the choice of a specific brand under which brake discs are produced, this issue also needs a more detailed analysis.

Problems of Incorrect Choice

It is worth noting that the choice of one or another brake disc is not only a matter of economy, but also a matter of safety. Incorrect disk selection is expressed in several aspects:

• Waste of money and time. This mainly concerns the situation when a disc that was completely unsuitable for a particular car was selected. We can talk about incorrect geometric dimensions, unsuitable landing fixtures and other technical parameters.
• Significant wear of other elements of the brake system. This problem is relevant when an expensive wear-resistant disc was bought, which simply “kills” the brake pads, or vice versa, the pads turned out to be harder than the disc itself, as a result, grooves in the discs and steering wheel beat.

Rating of popular brake discs

And what brand of brake discs to buy on your car? After all, each brand has a variety of discs. The editors of our resource have compiled a rating of popular brands of brake discs, based solely on reviews found on the Internet. The list is not promotional and does not promote any of the brands.

ferodo

Ferodo discs cover up to 98% of the European car manufacturer market. Automakers use it as original spare parts or as a replacement, as an analogue, in post-warranty service. Their original quality is very high. Accordingly, Ferodo brake discs are often installed on expensive foreign cars, and the price also allows you to put them on budget cars as an analogue.

The advantage of this company is that it exclusively produces parts for the brake system of various vehicles (including brake pads, drums, hydraulic system elements, calipers, etc.). Including sports cars. Therefore, in addition to production, the company is engaged in research activities, introducing new developments into manufactured products.

NiBk

The Japanese company NiBk produces both discs and pads. The offered range includes discs in high carbon steel, with anti-corrosion coating, titanium-ceramic alloy (for sports cars), standard, slotted discs, in organic composition without metal alloys, perforated.

Brake discs "NiBk" are suitable for many foreign and domestic cars. So, in addition to Japanese brands, you can find them on Korean ones, such as Solaris, and on ours, they are often placed on Priora, Kalina and Grant. After all, despite the quality, the price is acceptable (on average 1,6 thousand rubles). So, if there is an opportunity to buy such, then they are a priority.

Brembo

This Italian manufacturer of brake components with a wide range of products. The company has four own research laboratories and 19 production sites around the world. Brembo brake discs are widely used by domestic car owners, namely, for VAZ cars. Wear out rather slowly. However, a feature of the products is that it is highly dependent on the premium car. The benefits of Brembo discs include:

• Brembo has a patented PVT column vented brake disc system. It increases the cooling capacity of the disc, increasing its strength by more than 40%. This approach allows you to use the disk much longer than similar products with a classic ventilation system, namely, up to 80 thousand kilometers and even more.
• Brake discs are painted using UV technology. This technology ensures that all produced discs are resistant to corrosion and all weather conditions, retain their metallic appearance and functional properties for a long time. In addition, UV dyeing allows you to install discs on the machine without removing the preservative oil.
• The packaging of Brembo brake discs always includes mounting materials (bolts), which allows you not to look for these devices additionally.

The reviews found on the Internet about Brembo discs are mostly positive. They are bought both for sports cars and standard equipment.

BOSCH batteries and motors

Brake discs BOSCH belong to the category of mid-price. The manufacturing company is known throughout the world for a wide range of products and their test tests. As for the brake discs, the manufactured products are supplied both to the secondary market (to retail trade in different countries of the world), and as an original for European and Asian cars (namely, Renault, Skoda, Nissan, Hyundai). Advantages of Bosch brake discs:

• A wide range of different models of discs supplied to both the secondary and primary car market. Including for European and Asian cars.
• Optimum ratio of the price and quality of disks. Most models are designed for installation on a car of the middle and lower price ranges. Accordingly, the disks themselves are also inexpensive.
• Wide availability for purchase.

BOSCH has its own production facilities in various countries of the world, including the territory of the Russian Federation. Some car owners note that products manufactured at domestic factories are somewhat inferior in quality to similar devices manufactured in other countries. And also BOSCH discs can only be used in moderate (urban) driving conditions, since they showed low efficiency in extreme braking.

Lucas TRW

Lucas, part of the European TRW Corporation, produces a wide range of parts for automotive brake systems. Most of them are supplied to the secondary market. However, some disc models are installed as original on mid-budget Volkswagen and Opel cars. A distinctive feature of Lucas brake discs is their high-gloss black finish.

Despite the wide range, most Lucas brake disc models are designed for use on budget cars. Accordingly, they are inexpensive, and therefore gained wide popularity among domestic motorists. So they are not afraid of overheating, because there is a lot of carbon in the material of their manufacture, which is why they have less weight and good thermal conductivity. Among the shortcomings, rare reviews of the low mileage of new disks can be noted. However, this largely depends not only on the quality of the discs, but also on the driving style of a particular driver, and the operating conditions of the car.

EBC brakes

EBC brake discs are manufactured in the UK. They are classified as expensive. The product range is divided into three lines:

• Turbgroove. They are intended mainly for Japanese cars that have the ability to accelerate to high speeds, and, accordingly, are used by lovers of fast driving (namely, Subaru, Honda, Infiniti, Mitsubishi). Positioned as premium discs with very good quality and wear resistance. They are balanced, have notches and perforations.
• Ultimax. Brake discs for sports cars. Very effective but very expensive. For ordinary car owners, they are not suitable.
• premium. Brake discs for cars of medium and executive class. Best suited for car owners of medium-priced cars. Their surface is smooth, so paired with them you need to use high-quality brake pads. Very long operation of disks in the most various conditions of operation of the car is noted.

Otto Zimmerman

Zimmermann develops elements of brake systems, including discs, mainly for German cars. The realized range of disks makes several thousand models. There is a division into different lines according to pricing policy. For example, budget rims for Volkswagen and Opel cars, as well as premium rims for Bugatti and Porsche sports cars are on sale. However, despite the fact that the company is positioned as a premium one, its budget disc segment is quite accessible to the average owner of a German car.

If you find original products of the Otto Zimmermann trademark on the shelves of car dealerships, then it is highly recommended for purchase. Its quality will be good and the discs will serve on a car for many tens of kilometers. The price-quality ratio is one of the best.

ATE

ATE is engaged in the development and production of elements of brake systems. The corporation, of which it is a member, has a wide list of auto manufacturing partners, including Audi, Skoda, Ford, Toyota, BMW and many others, including the domestic VAZ. Naturally, such cooperation became possible due to the high quality of manufactured products and a competent pricing policy.

One of the company's prides is the Powerdisk series of brake discs, which can withstand extreme braking temperatures of +800°C. Such discs are made of alloyed cast iron. However, they should only be installed on special racing cars. In general, the original ATE brake discs are of high enough quality, therefore they are used most often, and on a variety of cars, including budget and mid-price ones.

How not to buy a fake

Currently, counterfeit products are often found on the shelves of many car dealerships and on the Internet. This applies not only to expensive, world-famous brands, but also to discs from the middle and even economy class. In order to minimize the possibility of purchasing counterfeit products, you need to follow a few simple rules:

1. Buy brake discs only in trusted and reliable stores that value their reputation. And outlets with a dubious reputation, it is better to avoid, despite their advertising
2. When buying, you should always inspect the surface of a new disc.
3. On any original disc, even the most inexpensive one, there is always a factory marking. Usually it is engraved or embossed on its non-working surface. If there is no such marking, then most likely you have a fake in front of you, and it is better to refrain from buying.
4. More expensive discs are branded by the manufacturer, as well as the serial numbers of specific brake discs. The stigma is a very weighty argument in favor of the fact that the disc is really original. The serial number of the disk can be checked in the database on the manufacturer's website. So you can check whether the product is original or not.

Remember that fake brake discs not only have a shorter service life, but also endanger the health and life of the driver and passengers of the car on which they are installed, as well as other road users.

Hack and predictor Aviator

The correct choice of the brake disc is the key to saving and safe operation of the car. Therefore, it is better to buy based on the recommendations of the car manufacturer. namely, its type and geometric parameters. also, when choosing, you should take into account your driving style in order to understand which ones are needed - ventilated, perforated or notched. It is important to make a choice of brake pads to match the discs. namely, it concerns not only quality and price, but also the brand. So you will ensure the optimal operation of the brake system of the car.

In addition to the drives presented above in the article, you should also pay attention to the DBA brand. Brake discs from this manufacturer have become quite popular in 2020, and also have the highest percentage of positive reviews compared to other brands. Their main strengths are the absence of severe overheating and better braking clarity. The negative side of these brake discs include runout.

If you have had experience using certain brake discs, write about it in the comments.