Why Choose Drilled & Slotted Brake Rotors Over OEM Plain Rotors?

One of the most common questions we hear is: What’s the advantage of drilled and slotted brake rotors compared to stock (plain) OEM rotors? The answer comes down to improved stopping performance, better heat management, and longer-lasting braking consistency—especially under real-world driving conditions.

The Advantage of Slotted Rotors

Slotted brake rotors are designed to significantly improve braking performance. Each rotor is precision-machined with four to five slots per side (vehicle-specific), extending to the outer edge of the rotor. These slots serve several important purposes:

• Clear brake dust, water, and debris away from the pad surface, ensuring consistent pad contact
• Improve wet-weather braking by maintaining a clean friction surface
• Reduce brake fade by allowing heat to escape more efficiently
• Promote even pad wear and better pedal feel

Machined rotors deliver more responsive, confident braking, especially during repeated stops or aggressive driving.

What Do the Drilled Holes Do?

Another frequently asked question is about the purpose of drilled holes. Their primary function is heat dissipation. During prolonged or heavy braking, heat builds up between the brake pad and rotor. Drilled rotors allow this trapped heat to escape, helping to:

• Maintain consistent braking performance
• Reduce the risk of brake fade
• Extend rotor and pad life

Dimpled slotted vs. Cross-Drilled slotted Rotors

Performance rotors are available in different styles as listed in our performance brake rotors page but these two drilling styles, each designed for specific vehicle needs:

• Dimpled & slotted Rotors
  These feature shallow, non-through holes that dissipate heat without fully penetrating the rotor surface. This design maintains structural integrity, making them ideal for heavier vehicles or applications prone to rotor warping.
• Cross-Drilled & slotted Rotors
  Cross-drilled holes pass completely through the rotor, allowing air to flow through the disc for maximum cooling. This design is commonly used on light- to medium-duty vehicles and high-performance applications, where improved heat dissipation and reduced brake fade are critical.

A Worthwhile Upgrade

The noticeable improvement in braking performance, combined with enhanced cooling and cleaner operation, makes drilled and slotted brake rotors a smart upgrade over standard OEM replacement rotors. Backed by a manufacturer’s warranty and trusted by customers for over 20 years, our machined performance brake rotors deliver the stopping power, reliability, and value drivers expect.