We've all come to expect the fact that automakers cut corners anywhere they think there's a buck to be saved. It can be cheap plastic interior knobs, a doughnut for a spare tire or rehashed components stockpiled from earlier model years. These are all simple problems that we learn to live with, but the worst is when these companies skimp on brakes.

Face it, factory brakes are only getting flimsier. They're using cheaper iron in the discs, lower grade compounds in the pads and severely undersized calipers. On large trucks and SUVs, these set ups sometimes require servicing in less than 20, 000 miles. One reader was actually informed by the dealer that the squeaky brakes on her newish SUV were caused by an aggressive brake system! We all know that this is BS, of course.

The solution to your braking woes isn't out of reach though. The aftermarket is chock full of performance brake components designed for nearly every vehicle. Whether you want to convert your muscle car to high-performance discs or just beef up the family ride's braking power, there are plenty of manufacturers more than willing to help you out.

Not only do aftermarket brake parts last longer than the factory stuff, they're engineered to stop your car better. This can mean safer, more controllable braking for everyday driving, or higher-performance stops for spirited motoring. You don't have to be tearing up the track to enjoy the pedal feel of a set of powerful brakes.

Since performance brake kits are built vehicle specific, swapping out your stockers is relatively easy. Of course, if you opt for a set oversized stoppers with 6-piston calipers, the modifications can get a bit tricky. For the most part though, direct bolt-on parts will make a world of difference. The magic lies is the advanced designs and the quality materials employed by the aftermarket manufacturers.

Heavy-duty cast iron is just the beginning of a quality rotor. Advanced vent designs keep ?em cooler while slotting and/or drilling provides the performance bite. Not to mention the cool looks that a set of cross-drilled and vented rotors add to your ride, especially if you're running custom, open-style wheels.

The best part about aftermarket brake pads is the cornucopia of options available. Many different compounds and design take into consideration every imaginable driving style or need. Pads are specially constructed for towing, heavy trucks, SUVs, track racing, street racing?you name it, they make it. And, these custom pads are usually priced right in there with the factory pads that already prematurely failed you. This means there's no reason to toy with the stock stuff anymore.

So, when it's time to replace those factory stoppers?and that time is coming sooner than you think?put the brakes on the OEM garbage and set your rig up proper with a set of performance pads and rotors available from one of the many fine brake manufactures out there right now.