Do I have to have a brake upgrade officially registered?

Brake pads with approval and matching replacement discs can usually be driven without registration. But as soon as you change the brake system - larger discs with a different diameter, different brake calipers or a complete big-brake kit - a parts report or individual inspection at the TÜV is necessary. Plan for that before buying and check whether an approval exists for the desired combination on your vehicle.

Are larger brake discs always better?

Not automatically. More diameter brings more thermal mass and leverage, but also more unsprung and rotating mass - that can worsen handling and consumption. For many road and track day cars, the switch to matching sport pads plus racing brake fluid brings more for the money than a larger disc.

Brake upgrade: improving the brake system for sport & track day

Brake upgrade: when it's worth it and what's involved

A brake upgrade is the replacement of production brake components with higher-performance parts - with the aim of improving deceleration, reducing fade and increasing safety during sporty driving. These include sport brake pads, larger brake discs, multi-piston brake calipers and braided steel lines. Here you can read when upgrading the brake system really is worth it.

What a brake upgrade includes

A brake upgrade ranges from a simple pad swap to a complete sport brake system. Depending on the goal and budget, you combine individual building blocks:

Sport brake pads with a higher coefficient of friction and a wider temperature window (e.g. Endless MX87 or ME22).
Larger or two-piece brake discs for more thermal mass and better heat dissipation.
Multi-piston brake calipers for more even clamping force and a more stable pedal feel.
Braided steel brake lines for a crisper pressure point without swelling.
A durable racing brake fluid against fluid fade.

When upgrading the brake system is worth it

At the latest when the production brake fades early during sporty driving or in track day use, an upgrade is worth it. Power-upgraded or heavier vehicles also benefit, because more kinetic energy has to be converted into heat.

What matters is the right order: often the switch to matching sport brake pads plus fresh racing brake fluid already brings the biggest jump - before you invest in larger discs or new calipers.

Choosing to match the vehicle

Pads, discs and calipers have to fit the vehicle and the existing brake system. The fastest route to the matching parts is via the vehicle search by HSN/TSN - or via a short technical consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to have a brake upgrade officially registered?: Brake pads with approval and matching replacement discs can usually be driven without registration. But as soon as you change the brake system - larger discs with a different diameter, different brake calipers or a complete big-brake kit - a parts report or individual inspection at the TÜV is necessary. Plan for that before buying and check whether an approval exists for the desired combination on your vehicle.
Are larger brake discs always better?: Not automatically. More diameter brings more thermal mass and leverage, but also more unsprung and rotating mass - that can worsen handling and consumption. For many road and track day cars, the switch to matching sport pads plus racing brake fluid brings more for the money than a larger disc.

Next step

Choose a vehicle, then see matching brakes

Enter the HSN/TSN from your registration document (fields 2.1 and 2.2) or search by make and model.

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