Most vehicles come with smooth brake rotors, and this is because smooth brake rotors provide enough stopping power for most driving conditions. Because they have a smooth surface, smooth brake rotors have the most rotor surface area compared to other types of brake rotors. They can also absorb a lot of heat and are not prone to cracking under extreme use. 

Slotted brake rotors have slots cut along the surface of the rotor that makes contact with the brake pad. These grooves allow the brake pad's surface area to have less contact with the brake rotors, which results in more heat dissipation. These are often found on performance or high-end vehicles.

Cross-drilled brake rotors have drill holes that are mostly used for heat dissipation. These brake rotors were originally used in race cars to reduce the amount of heat the rotor would have to absorb.

Drilled & Slotted

Brake Rotors

Drilled and slotted brake rotors offer the benefits of slotted brake rotors and cross-drilled brake rotors. These brake rotors can keep temperatures down. Low temperatures prevent fade resistance, which is when high temperatures cause part of the brake rotor's resin material to vaporize.