If you’re thinking about replacing the rotors on your Ford F-150 manufactured between 2012-2020, you’ve come to the right place. The Ford F-150 is a staple in the pick-up truck industry. It’s one of the few vehicles that are recognized by name and by look. It has achieved a multitude of awards and continues to have a soft spot in the hearts of drivers everywhere.
While there are several different types of brake rotors, two of the most common are drilled rotors and slotted rotors. There is an abundance of parts in the Ford F-150 market, making it complicated to search and find the right parts. So which brake rotors are best for your Ford F-150?
Introduction to brake rotors for Ford F-150:
Brake rotors are a critical component of the braking system in a Ford F-150. They work in conjunction with the brake pads to slow down or stop the vehicle. The proper selection and maintenance of brake rotors can significantly impact the vehicle’s braking performance, safety, and longevity. In this article, we will explore the different types of brake rotors available for Ford F-150, their benefits, and how to choose the best brake rotors for your vehicle.
What are Drilled Rotors?
Drilled rotors are brake rotors that have holes drilled onto their faces. If you’re wondering what these holes are for, there are both aesthetic and functional purposes. Aesthetically speaking, those drilled holes could make your wheels stand out if paired with the right rims. However, their functionality goes deeper than that.
The first benefit of drilled rotors is their ability to dissipate heat. Heat builds up when you press down on your brakes and the drilled holes provide an outlet for that heat to dissipate. If too much heat builds up, it might cause your brakes to perform poorly over time, or wear down faster.
The second benefit has to do with water. Just as drilled holes allow heat to escape, they also allow water to evaporate. Water and other fluids get into your brake systems when you run over puddles, or when you drive during the rainy season.
Benefits of drilled rotors for Ford F-150:
Drilled rotors offer better heat dissipation, reduced brake fade, and more efficient pad bite. They also provide a more aggressive look and can enhance the overall aesthetics of the vehicle. However, they are more prone to cracking under heavy use, and the holes can cause uneven pad wear. Drivers who prioritize performance over durability may benefit from using drilled rotors.
What are Slotted Rotors?
Slotted brake rotors, on the other hand, have slotted grooves on them. These grooves act like a blade that shaves away the unwanted debris from the contact points of your pads and rotors. These slots, like the drilled holes, also have aesthetic and functional purposes.
The first benefit of slotted rotors is their ability to shave away debris, like brake dust and other particles from your brake pads and rotors. This allows your brakes to engage at optimum performance. This is the main reason why slotted rotors are preferred by those that spend a lot of time on the track. If performance is what you’re looking for, then you should go for slotted rotors.
How to choose the best brake rotors for your Ford F-150:
When choosing brake rotors for your Ford F-150, consider factors such as driving style, road conditions, and budget. If you prioritize performance, you may opt for drilled rotors, while if you want improved performance without sacrificing durability, you may choose slotted rotors. It’s also important to choose high-quality brake pads and properly maintain the rotors to ensure optimal braking performance and safety.
What Type of Rotors Should You Get for Your Ford F-150?
Getting down to the main event of this article, if you’re looking for replacement brake rotors, your decisive factor should be how you use your vehicle. If you need high-performance brakes, then you might want to opt for the slotted rotors. If you use it more for daily drives, then drilled rotors would work better for you.
There is no ‘correct’ choice that works for everyone when it comes to types of brakes. This is because each one of us has a different driving style and a different reason for purchasing the vehicle that we have.
- Benefits of drilled rotors:
- Improved heat dissipation
- Better wet weather performance
- Reduced brake fade
- More efficient pad bite
- Benefits of slotted rotors:
- Improved brake pad bite
- Better wet weather performance
- Reduced brake fade
- Increased durability
- Factors to consider when choosing brake rotors:
- Driving style
- Road conditions
- Budget
- Type of brake pad used
- How to maintain brake rotors for Ford F-150:
- Regular cleaning
- Proper break-in procedure
- Avoiding excessive braking
- Using high-quality brake pads
Extend the Life of Your Brakes
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