The Right Truck & Towing Brake Kit Your Vehicle

Brake fade refers to the reduction or complete loss of braking power that occurs when the brake system overheats. During heavy or prolonged braking—common when towing heavy loads—excessive heat builds up in the brake pads and rotors. As the temperature increases, the friction material on the pads can begin to lose its grip on the rotors, resulting in a decrease in stopping power.

Even if the brake pedal feels firm, the actual performance can be significantly compromised. This diminished braking performance means longer stopping distances, which is especially dangerous when towing, as the extra weight requires more force to slow down or stop. Upgrading to high-performance braking components can help you maintain safe stopping power under heavy load conditions.

Brake fluid boil occurs when the heat generated during intense or continuous braking causes the brake fluid to reach its boiling point. When this happens, the fluid starts to vaporize, forming bubbles within the brake lines. Unlike liquid, these gas bubbles are compressible, which results in a “spongy” feel on the brake pedal and a significant loss of hydraulic pressure.

Brake fluid boil can lead to a sudden drop in braking efficiency, making it difficult to slow down your vehicle. When towing, especially on steep or long downhill descents, your brakes experience high temperatures. This can increase the risk of brake fluid boil and create a significant safety hazard.

When towing extra weight, your vehicle’s brakes have to work much harder because there’s simply more weight to slow down. This extra weight means that your brakes have to absorb a greater amount of kinetic energy every time you decelerate, which results in significantly more heat being generated.

As brake components—like pads, rotors, and fluid—heat up, they become more susceptible to issues such as brake fade (where braking efficiency decreases) or even brake fluid boiling in severe cases. The PowerStop Z36 Extreme Truck & Tow Brake Kit was designed to help your vehicle handle heavy loads and maintain optimal stopping power.

The PowerStop Z36 Extreme Truck & Tow Brake Kit is specifically engineered to combat brake fade during heavy towing. The kit features PowerStop’s Drilled & Slotted Rotors, which provide maximum rotor cooling. By allowing hot gases and moisture to escape, these rotors maintain lower operating temperatures even during extended braking sessions.

The kit also includes PowerStop’s Z36 Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads that provide consistent friction even at high temperatures. These pads have stainless-steel shims that allow for better heat dissipation and noise-free braking. The PowerStop Z36 Extreme Truck & Tow Brake Kit reduces the risk of brake fade, maintains the integrity of the braking system, and delivers reliable stopping power when towing heavy loads.

PowerStop’s Drilled & Slotted Rotors feature precisely engineered holes and grooves on their surface. The drill holes facilitate rotor cooling by working in tandem with the slots for overall performance. The slots work to sweep away debris, moisture, and hot gases from between the brake pad and rotor, ensuring a clean friction surface for consistent braking performance. This design is especially useful in demanding situations like towing.

When towing heavy loads, your brakes work harder and generate more heat. Drilled and slotted rotors help manage that heat and provide steady performance, which is key for maintaining safe and reliable stopping power.

PowerStop’s Z36 Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads provide a range of benefits for vehicles that tow. One primary benefit is their exceptional resistance to heat—these pads maintain consistent friction levels even at high temperatures, which is critical for preventing brake fade. They also produce significantly less dust compared to traditional brake pads, keeping wheels cleaner and reducing maintenance needs. Our carbon-fiber ceramic pads are designed for longevity and durability, and effectively resist wear under extreme conditions.

When you need reliable performance, you can count on PowerStop’s Z36 Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads to deliver, even when hauling heavy loads.

Yes. Stainless steel shims help to enhance overall braking performance by addressing two key issues: heat management and vibration reduction. Stainless steel shims act as a thermal barrier, helping to dissipate excess heat generated during braking, which is especially important in heavy-duty or towing scenarios. By reducing the amount of heat transferred to the brake pads, shims help maintain optimal friction levels and prevent premature wear. They also dampen vibrations, which can create smoother and more consistent braking.

When determining your safe towing limit, consider not just your vehicle’s towing capacity but also key ratings like the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GCWR minus your vehicle’s curb weight shows the maximum trailer weight—with a 10% buffer for safety—while the GVWR covers the total weight of passengers, cargo, and fuel.

Also, whether your trailer is braked matters for load safety, and proper weight distribution (ideally 60% on the vehicle’s front axle and 40% on the trailer’s axle) is crucial for stability. In short, understanding your vehicle’s setup and load factors—and consulting your owner’s manual or a professional—ensures safe towing practices.