2005 Accord Aftermarket Rotors

Rotors don’t have much direct impact on brake performance unless they are slotted and drilled – a true ‘performance’ application. For the rest of us, typical rotors they are generally best judged on a weigh scale. Good quality rotors will weigh more than average or poor quality rotors. They also have ‘more meat on them’, generally will last more than one set of pads if they’re not warped. The ‘extra meat’ results in enough density that they may be thick enough to be cut on a brake lathe and be like new for a second set of new pads.

Brake pads on the other hand will have a tremendous impact on brake performance.

Semi Metallics provide excellent stopping power, are inexpensive, are short lived, produce more than their fair share of brake dust and tend to be a bit noisy – watch the opening sequence of ‘The Transporter’, pay special attention to the BMW and you’ll know what I mean.

Ceramic brake pads have good stopping power, are a bit more money, long lasting and not as dusty. I’ve had issues with Chrysler products and squealing with Ceramics, usually resolved by taking the hard edges off of the pads, but I digress.

Parts stores will generally list there products as first line, second line and so on rather than by brand.

A ‘proper’ auto parts store (ie: established independant) will sort through the inherent quality issues / brand selection for you – they don’t like warrantying parts any more than you like doing the job twice.

First line products will generally be name brand, may include little extras – spring kits for brake pads would be a good example.

Second line products will usually not be a name brand, probably a house brand – likely manufactured in a name brand facility and may include a little extra like spring kits.

Driving environment usually dictates what grade (first, second line) of product rather than a brand name.

For my wife that’s rust belt city driving. Friends, family and my junk get second line ceramic pads with second line rotors. By the time hard city stops, road de-icing brine and some miles on cottage country highways have killed the pads there’s usually nothing left of the rotors but memories.

For my 8000 Lb service van its’ first line semi metallics, first line rotors and some detailed prep work.