Are Cross Drilled Rotors Worth the Extra Money?
As a car or motorcycle enthusiast, you may be wondering whether cross drilled rotors are worth the extra money. Since the 1960s, cross drilled rotors were installed on racing cars to assist in braking. However, there is a debate whether cross drilling rotors work or not. They are often plated with gold cadmium to suit military specifications. Most good quality cross drilled rotors have an anti-rust feature and are sporty looking to suit the high performance vehicle. On average, they cost around $160.
How Cross Drilled Rotors Work
As mentioned above, cross drilled rotors are used to help brake faster. Brake pads create a layer of gas surrounding the disc brake and the pad. Having the cross drilled rotors allow the gas to escape and keeps the brakes cool. The basis of this theory is in the friction coefficient, which takes into account pressure and temperature around the area of contact. Metal to metal contact increases the friction coefficient, while tires which are made out of a polymer material will decrease with pressure. This is the reason why a heavier car will always lose when trying to out-corner a lighter car. However, as there are different makes and models of brake pads, and therefore they are made out of different materials, you will need to find data about the brake pads.
Advantages of a Cross Drilled Rotor
People who install cross drilled rotors into their vehicle want to have a braking ability which is faster and better than normal. Having these rotors do not make the car brake harder, it lets people experience less fading when they are braking because the gas dissipates faster through the holes more quickly than on older braking systems. In addition, there is less surface area so the reduced surface and reduced weight creates less pressure. Other than that, people have also experienced less warping and a firmer brake pedal. Some also believe that due to the cross drilled rotor, the brakes have an extended life span.
Disadvantages of a Cross Drilled Rotor
In terms of safety issues, it is possible for the cross drilled rotors to crack. Although the drilled holes allow for the gas that has been built-up to dissipate faster than average, it can crack under stress, especially in severe weather conditions. When it cracks, you could get into a bad accident and endanger your and your passengers' lives. If you have already installed your cross drilled rotors, you will need to check them often for any signs of wear and tear. If there are any possible signs of cracking, you will need to replace them.
But the bottom line between getting a cross drilled rotor for your car or not is your driving style and your preference. If you like to drive fast but want to be safe, pamper your car with a set of cross drilled rotors. You'll feel better knowing that your car has been taken care of and that driving fast will no longer put adverse effects onto your car's braking system.
