Brake rotors and brake pads slow or stop your car through the use of friction.  But, did you know that there are two different friction mechanisms at which brakes operate?  If not, no need to worry.  This article will tell you what these two friction mechanisms are and why it will prove useful for you to know.  

So, what are the two friction mechansims you say?  The answer is abrasive and adherent friction.  Abrasive friction and adherent friction are the two ways your brakes absorb and handle heat when stopping. While all brakes display a bit of both mechanisms, certain vehicles might utilize one over the other.

Abrasive friction is the mechanism by which the energy of motion is transferred to thermal energy through the breaking of chemical bonds of the brake pads and the brake rotors.  T...

If you’re new to buying brakes or aren’t too familiar with auto industry lingo, this post is for you!

The most important part of buying aftermarket brakes is making sure they’re compatible with your vehicle.  Besides, what good are the parts if they don’t fit? 

Here’s a list of some basic terms will help determine proper fitment:

• Production Date– Usually just the year your vehicle was manufactured.  The production month isn’t always needed, but for vehicles that have a split in production within a year (e.g.  2002 Subaru Impreza WRX) the rotors can change depending on the month the vehicle was produced. 

TIP:  Some ways you can find the production date of a vehicle:

1. On a sticker or tag within the driver side door jam. 
2. Through the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).  Here is a cool article...

Do you know the difference between solid and vented rotors?  If you're thinking this question is about the drill-pattern on the rotor surface, it's not.  What this question is referring to is the inner structure of the friction surface.  

A solid brake rotor is a single, solid disc.  Vented rotors have two solid discs, divided in the middle by structures called vanes.   Vanes add material to a rotor, increasing the rotors thermal capacity and creating additional pathways where heat can escape.

It's most common to see vented rotors on the front brake system of automobiles and solid rotors on the rear brake system.  The front brakes do more work as most of the vehicle's weight is transferred to the front when slowing down.                                                                      ...