TRUCKS THAT TOW NEED BETTER BRAKES

Any time you add weight to a vehicle by hauling a load, towing a trailer, or simply adding a larger wheel/tire combination, you change the operating conditions of your stock brake package. Those operating conditions may exceed the ability of the stock braking components. When this happens, it is a good idea to replace or upgrade your brake parts because it will increase stopping power. Trucks that tow – and trucks that haul heavy loads – require better brake performance and stopping power due to the excess weight of the truck.

THINKING OF TOWING? KNOW YOUR LIMITS

Whatever you may be towing, review the towing capacity of your vehicle and make sure it can handle the weight you plan to haul. Don’t assume that every version of a specific model shares identical tow ratings; check the owner’s manual. Information about towing capacity can also often be found on a sticker on the inside of the driver-side door. Towing capacities can differ between body styles, drivelines, bed lengths, and other factors. 

Exceeding the maximum towing capacity can cause dangerous handling and serious damage to your vehicle’s engine, suspension, and drive train. It can also result in insufficient and dangerous braking performance. If you are considering towing a heavy haul, make sure your vehicle and brakes can handle the job. 

SHOULD I UPGRADE MY BRAKES FOR TOWING?

Even if you only use your truck once a year for towing, you need the right braking system. You can upgrade your truck’s brakes for safe towing by choosing a Performance Brake Upgrade Kit from PowerStop. Our performance brake upgrade kit is matched to your vehicle to produce the brake torque needed for an increased load. Our exclusive Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Formula for brake pads provides dust-free braking performance, and the Drilled & Slotted Rotors reduce heat. When you install the right brakes for the job, your truck or 4X4 can provide extreme stopping power under heavy loads and still give you excellent drivability when you’re not hauling.

Below are seven great reasons why you should upgrade your truck and tow brake system with PowerStop’s Performance Brake Upgrade Kit.

1. BETTER STOPPING POWER

PowerStop’s Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Brake Pad formula is the gold standard in truck and tow brake systems. The ceramic formula is reinforced with carbon fibers to withstand intense heat. These pads also generate the additional brake torque you need when towing, adding weight, or adding large wheels/tires.

2. NOISE-FREE BRAKING

Everyone wants the smoothest, quietest ride possible. PowerStop’s stainless steel shims on the brake pads ensure reliable, noise-free performance.

3. LOW DUST

Every time brakes are applied to stop a vehicle, a small amount of metal debris leaves the brake pad. While this type of brake pad dust is normal, excessive amounts can indicate a potential problem. When large amounts of brake dust accumulate around the wheels and brakes, the buildup can cause vibration. 

PowerStop’s carbon fiber and ceramic formula low-dust brake pads were designed to maximize stopping power and keep your wheels clean.

4. LONGER LIFE

When you upgrade your brake pads and rotors, you want them to last. A number of qualities can extend the life of your brake pads and rotors, such as mill-balanced, drilled, and slotted rotors that prevent overheating and vibration. Additionally, powder-coated backing plates on the brake pads resist rust, which extends the life of your brakes.

5. FASTER BREAK-IN

Once you have mounted new brake pads and rotors, it is crucial to properly break them in. The process is necessary for new brakes to work effectively. Thermal scorched brake pads can help with this process. By curing the first 1mm of friction material, thermal scorching helps the brake pads break in faster.

6. EXTREME HEAT RESISTANCE

When towing a trailer, or just driving a heavier vehicle, you need to account for higher energy buildup. You need to ensure that your brake pads can operate well at both cold and hot temperatures with reliable friction.

Drilled & Slotted Rotors increase cooling and prevent brake parts from overheating. Airflow through the beveled drill holes helps keep rotor temperatures down during extreme braking situations. By sweeping away gas and dust, the slots maintain a clean contact patch between the pad and the rotor.

7. VIBRATION REDUCTION

In order for rotors to operate reliably, they must maintain an even distribution of weight across the rotational axis. If there is too much weight on one side, causing the rotors to be unbalanced, the safety and operational efficiency of the system in which the rotors operate is compromised. 

Mill-balanced rotors are carefully inspected for optimal balance. This helps to prevent a number of issues caused by imbalance, reducing vibration and noise, and extending the life of your brakes. Rotors that are slightly out of balance are machined on one side to make them perfectly balanced.

WHAT BRAKES ARE BETTER FOR TOWING?

At PowerStop, we’ve designed advanced braking kits that remove the guesswork from shopping for the brakes you need for towing. Our brake upgrade kits are available for 98% of vehicles on the road and include everything you need in one box, including pads, rotors, and hardware.

If you’re ready to upgrade your pickup truck, SUV, or 4×4 that tows or hauls heavy loads – or has big wheel upgrades – PowerStop’s truck & tow brake kit offers everything you’ll need for an easy installation and maximum performance, including:

• Drilled & Slotted Rotors: Mill-balanced with drilled holes and slots, helping to reduce vibration and overheating
• Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads: Noise-free brakes that provide better stopping power, longer life, and faster break-in
• Premium stainless steel hardware kit: Durable hardware for easy, problem-free installation