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Drilled vs Slotted Rotors: Chevy Camaro SS

Parked Camaro

In this article, we’ll compare drilled vs slotted rotors and determine which is the better fit for the Chevrolet Camaro SS.

What are drilled rotors?

R1Carbon GEOMET® Drilled Series Brake Rotors

Drilled rotors have notches and holes drilled into them. These drilled holes perform best in rainy climates, offering a good “wet bite” that’ll last until the end of the brake’s life. This wet bite happens because the holes give the water slots to escape through, drying out the braking system components. With brake systems, less water results in a better bite and improved brake performance. 

While drilled rotors generally perform well in rainy climates, how you use your car and the type of car you drive, also matters. Race cars and speedsters generally don’t work well with drilled rotors. This is because they can wear unevenly and develop hairline cracks from the extreme heat that high-speed driving creates. 

What are slotted rotors?

R1Carbon GEOMET® Slotted Series Brake Rotors

Slotted brake rotors, on the other hand, have slotted grooves on them. These grooves help remove the gas and dust from the contact points between the pads and the rotors. These grooves also help shave away the material on the pad’s surface, lessening the wear from high-temperature braking. 

While grooves help with the sensitivity of your brakes, you’ll likely replace your pads more often and find more dust on your mags. To be clear, this does not affect performance. Those who are interested in aesthetics may find it unpleasant, however. 

Line up of R1Carbon GEOMET® Series Brake Rotors

Slotted vs Drilled Rotors Performance?

Which one performs better? Because drilled rotors can experience cracks that affect the sensitivity and performance of the brake system, slotted rotors are generally preferred by the racing community. However, if we’re talking longevity, then drilled rotors take the win.

In the end, what matters the most is the user’s preference. Would you prefer a brake that lasts longer on daily drives, or a brake system that gives you the best performance on the track? 

Camara SS Emblem on Vehicle

Which one is better for my Chevy Camaro SS?

There are a lot of conflicting opinions that make people ask, “drilled or slotted rotors, what is better?” 

As mentioned, it depends on how you use your car. If you use your Chevy Camaro SS as a sports car and it frequently sees the tracks, then a slotted rotor may be the best choice for you. However, if it sees a lot of daily driving, then a drilled rotor might be the one for you. And if your car is a “car model,” then you’d have to keep it aesthetically pleasing. Driving into a car show with brake dust on your mags wouldn’t be appealing, so keep them clean by using a rotor that doesn’t shave off material from your pads.