Tesla Brake Upgrades – How to Uprate Your Model 3/Y

Taking a Tesla onto a racetrack is an unforgettable experience – fast, silent, and addictive. But before you push your Model 3 or Model Y to the limit, you need to think about stopping power.

On the road, Tesla’s regenerative braking gives the impression that the car has endless stopping ability. But track driving changes everything. With regen reduced or switched off, the friction brakes do all the work, and the combination of weight and power means they’re working harder than you might expect.

In this guide, PWRD – the UK specialists in Tesla performance brake upgrades – share the key preparations you should make before your first track day. These upgrades are straightforward, cost-effective, and designed to keep your Tesla safe, fast, and fun on the circuit.

 

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Why Tesla Brakes Need Upgrades for Track Driving

Tesla’s standard braking system is designed for road use, where stops are typically short, infrequent, and supported by regen. On track, braking is heavier, more frequent, and from higher speeds – exposing limitations in the factory setup.

The main challenges are:

• Brake Fade: Heat buildup causes a loss of stopping power.

• Pedal Feel: Rubber brake lines expand under pressure, making the pedal spongy.

• Fluid Boil: Old or low-grade brake fluid can boil, introducing air into the system.

With some preparation, you can resolve all three issues before they become a problem.

 

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Three Essential Brake Upgrades for Your Tesla

1. Brake Pads – The First Step

Factory pads are fine for everyday driving, but on track they can fade quickly. PWRD offers two upgraded pad options for Tesla Model 3 and Model Y:

🔹 Performance Fast Road & Track Pads

• Direct replacement for factory pads

• Better bite and fade resistance

• Perfect for mixed road/track use

🔹 Competition & Racing Spec Pads

• Aggressive race compound for maximum stopping power

• Best suited for dedicated track driving

• Some cold compromises: more noise and faster disc wear

 

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2. Brake Lines – Firmer Pedal Feel

All Teslas come with rubber brake lines, which are durable but prone to expansion under heat and heavy braking. This causes a soft pedal and reduces brake response.

PWRD Stainless Steel Performance Brake Lines keep the pedal firm and responsive, even in extreme track conditions, so you can brake later and with more confidence.

 

 

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3. Brake Fluid – Track-Ready Performance

Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, lowering its boiling point. On track, that can lead to boiling, air in the system, and complete brake failure.

We recommend a full flush with Motul RBF 660 or similar track-grade fluid, which offers a dry boiling point of 617°F – well above what most drivers will reach, even in hard circuit use.

 

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Big Brake Kits – The Next Level

Once you’ve caught the track driving bug, the next step is a Tesla Big Brake Kit (BBK). We've got a couple of great options in development right now:

Coming soon: Front BBK for Model 3 & Y

• Massive 2-piece discs

• 6-piston monoblock calipers

• Designed for repeatable stopping power

Coming soon: Enlarged 2-piece Replacement Discs (rotors). Available for front and rear replacements.

• 380mm front discs
• Floating disc construction
• Lighter weight for better handling and ride quality

 

💡 Note: BBKs don’t necessarily shorten your first stop – the real benefit is consistent performance on the tenth, twentieth, or hundredth stop.

 

 

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Getting the Most From Your Big Brake Kit

• Monitor Heat: Our BBKs use colour-changing decals to track caliper temperatures. If they turn grey or black, consider adding brake ducting or adjusting your driving.

• Watch Your Fluid: Caliper heat often correlates with brake fluid temperature – if fluid boils, performance drops fast.

• Improve Airflow: Properly routed brake ducting helps control temperatures and extend the life of your fluid and pads.

 

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Final Thoughts – Build Confidence and Stop Strong

With upgraded pads, lines, and fluid, your Tesla Model 3 or Model Y will be far more capable of handling the demands of track driving. Add a PWRD Big Brake Kit and you’ll unlock consistent, fade-free braking that matches your car’s acceleration.

At PWRD, we’ve engineered and tested our Tesla brake upgrades in real motorsport conditions. Prepare your brakes properly, and you’ll have a Tesla that not only accelerates like a rocket – but can stop like one too.