Brakes come with a lot of garage folklore, and some of it is simply wrong. Believing the myths can cost you money or braking performance. Here are some common brake myths, debunked.
Myth: rotors warp from heat
Most so-called warped rotors are not bent at all - the pulsation usually comes from uneven pad deposits or thickness variation, not a heat-warped disc; see brake fade. True warping is rare on a quality rotor that is bedded in properly.
Myth: new pads do not need breaking in
Skipping the bed-in is a real cause of noise and weak braking. New pads and rotors need a proper break-in to lay down an even transfer layer; see do brakes need breaking in and how to bed in pads.
Myth: drilled rotors are always better
Drilled and slotted rotors look racy and help in specific high-heat uses, but for most street driving a quality plain or slotted rotor is quieter and just as effective; see are slotted rotors loud. More holes is not automatically more stopping power.
Myth: all pads are basically the same
Friction material makes a real difference in noise, dust, heat tolerance, and wear; see ceramic vs semi-metallic. The cheapest pad is not the same as a quality one. Fit quality pads and hardware.