Bigger, more aggressive tires add valuable ground clearance, increase traction, and boost puncture resistance. And there is no denying that they also look great. The right set of wheels and tires really completes a vehicle. All are big wins for anyone hitting the trail or those that want their rig to look good.

While all of that is great, there are some downsides. One of the biggest is that a heavier wheel and tire combo adds rotating mass. This extra weight not only saps acceleration, but it also taxes your vehicle’s braking system as well. Throw a heavy trailer and some weight in the bed into the mix, and your brakes can really get a workout. Add mountain roads and steep grades to the equation and things can get sketchy.

If you have bigger tires and wheels, upgrading your brakes makes sense. Power Stop’s Z36 Truck and Tow brake kits are a great place to start. Heat is the number one enemy of brakes. Too much heat can cause gas to build between the pads and rotors, significantly decreasing braking performance. Let that heat increase and your brakes can even catch fire. To combat heat buildup, Power Stop’s Z36 Truck and Tow brake kits include drilled and slotted rotors. They dissipate heat much more effectively than the stock units.

Another critical piece of the system is Power Stop’s Z36 brake pads. They use a carbon-fiber ceramic formula that is designed to give more bite. Most factory brake pads are designed for maximum wear, but Power Stop’s are for made for maximum performance. But they are also dust-free and quiet, so they are easy to live with. Installation is simple and the Z36 Truck and Tow brake kits are available for a wide range of applications.