What Are The Best Brakes Type For Towing?

There are a lot of different opinions on the best type of brake for towing. Some people say that using your regular brakes is just fine, while others recommend using a special set of brakes designed specifically for towing. There are pros and cons to both methods, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Here we will sort it out.

What Are The Different Types Of Standard Brakes?

Standard brakes are the kind that comes on most cars and trucks. They work by using friction to slow down the vehicle. There are 4 types of brakes: disc, drum, emergency, and anti-lock. In fact, the types are only two - disc and drum, while emergency brakes and anti-lock brakes are presented in all cars as additional protection.

Disc brakes are constructed with a metal disc that sits inside a wheel. The brake pads clamp down on the disc to slow the wheel down. Disc brakes are more common on newer vehicles and tend to work better in wet or icy conditions.

Drum brakes have a cylindrical drum that sits inside the wheel. The brake shoes press against the drum to slow the wheel down. Drum brakes are less common on newer vehicles but are often used on heavy-duty trucks.

Emergency brakes are also known as parking brakes. They are designed to keep your vehicle from rolling away when it’s parked. Emergency brakes usually consist of a cable that runs from the brake pedal to the rear wheels. When you engage the emergency brake, it applies the brakes to the rear wheels only. This keeps the vehicle from rolling but doesn’t necessarily slow it down.

Anti-lock brakes are a type of disc brake that uses sensors to prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking. Anti-lock brakes are designed to help you keep control of your vehicle in slippery or emergency situations.

Now that we know what the different types of brakes are, let’s talk about which ones are best for towing.

What Are The Best Brakes Type For Towing?

Here we have several options for the best brakes for towing a vehicle.

• Drilled & Slotted Rotors:

Precision-balanced with drilled holes and slots for reduced vibration and overheating. Drilled rotors work in such a way that they reduce the amount of time it takes your vehicle to come to a stop. Slotted rotors, on the other hand, are designed to help remove brake dust and debris from your wheels. They are good for towing because they can help keep your brakes cooler and reduce the amount of brake fade.

• Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads:

These brakes offer a smoother ride, longer-lasting components, and don't require as much time to get used to. In fact, they may not even need to be bedded in at all. Carbon-fiber ceramic brake pads are made from high-strength carbon fiber and a ceramic composite. The result is a brake pad that can withstand higher temperatures and is less likely to fade under heavy use.

• Premium stainless steel hardware kit:

Durable hardware ensures easy, problem-free installation. Yes, that is not simply about the brakes. The hardware kit is also important. In this case, you need to buy a premium stainless steel hardware kit to get the best result.

Any of these 3 options would be the best brakes type for towing. But it is still better if you consult with the expert before making your purchase.

Should You Upgrade The Brakes For Towing?

In order to tow a vehicle, you need to have a good set of brakes. But what if your existing brakes are not good enough? Do you need to upgrade them?

The answer is: it depends. If your existing brakes are in good condition and you are not doing any heavy-duty towing, then you may not need to upgrade them. However, if you are doing some heavy-duty towing or if your existing brakes are not in good condition, then you may need to upgrade to a better set of brakes.

Still, you need to be sure before towing a trailer or a caravan with your vehicle. The brakes should be of low dust and long life and have a faster break-in and vibration reduction. The latter is truly important because towing generates a lot of vibration. In case your brakes are not good enough, it is better to upgrade them before towing.

One more significant factor is heat resistance. When you tow a trailer, your brakes work harder and, as a result, they get hotter. If your existing brakes are not heat resistant, they may fade or even fail when they get too hot. So, if you are planning to do some heavy-duty towing, it is better to upgrade to a set of brakes that can withstand high temperatures.

As you can see, there are several factors that you need to consider before deciding whether or not to upgrade your brakes for towing. If you are not sure, it is always better to consult with an expert before making your final decision.

Final words

So, the best brakes type for towing are the ones that can withstand high temperatures and have a faster break-in and vibration reduction. If you are planning to do some heavy-duty towing, it is always better to consult with an expert before making your final decision.

Consider drilled and slotted rotors and carbon-fiber ceramic brake pads for the best results. With the proper hardware kit, you will be able to install them without any problems. Remember that towing a vehicle is not a simple task and you need to have good brakes in order to do it safely.