The build: what went on this Model 3 Highland
| Position | Component | Configuration in this build |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle | Platform | Tesla Model 3 Highland |
| Front axle | Caliper | 6-piston performance front caliper |
| Front axle | Rotor | STOPFLEX 355mm carbon ceramic rotor |
| Rear axle | Caliper | Factory rear caliper retained for native EPB function |
| Rear axle | Rotor | STOPFLEX 335mm carbon ceramic rotor |
| Friction | Pads | STOPFLEX carbon ceramic-specific pads |
| Wheel context | Clearance target | Configured for factory 19-inch Model 3 Highland wheels |
Confirm before you order
This is a front-and-rear rotor upgrade with a 6-piston front caliper, built to clear the factory 19-inch wheel. The rear keeps the factory caliper so the integrated electronic parking brake works exactly as Tesla intended. If you run a different wheel or aftermarket setup, get the clearance checked first.
Why this setup, and what you'll feel
| STOPFLEX feature | Why it matters on a Model 3 Highland | What you notice |
|---|---|---|
| 355mm carbon ceramic front rotor | This is a heavy EV with instant torque, so the front axle takes the brunt of every hard stop. More rotor and more thermal capacity up front is where the real work happens. | Brakes that still feel the same on the third hard stop as they did on the first, instead of going soft. |
| 6-piston front caliper | The stock front setup can feel vague when you lean on it. More pistons clamp the pad more evenly across a bigger rotor. | A firmer, more linear pedal you can modulate, not an on/off feel. |
| Rotors about half the weight of steel | Every pound at the wheel is unsprung and rotating mass. Cutting it helps a car this heavy change direction and ride better. | Slightly crisper steering response and less of that heavy-nose feel over bumps. |
| 335mm rear carbon ceramic rotor, factory caliper kept | The rear runs an integrated EPB. Keeping the factory caliper preserves that function while the rotor still adds heat capacity and balance. | Better front-to-rear balance with zero parking-brake drama. |
| No rust, very low dust with STOPFLEX pads | A regen-heavy EV barely uses its friction brakes day to day, so iron rotors sit there rusting and streaking the wheels. | Clean wheel faces between washes and rotors that look right after a rainy week parked outside. |
What gets better
- Fade resistance through repeated hard stops, long descents, and the odd emergency stop.
- A more linear, more confident front pedal from the 6-piston caliper.
- Lower unsprung and rotating mass from the carbon ceramic rotors.
- Very low brake dust with STOPFLEX pads, so the wheels stay clean.
- No rotor rust after rain, and a long street-use service window since regen does most of the daily slowing.
What to confirm first
- Your wheel: this package targets factory 19-inch clearance, so verify your exact setup.
- That you want to keep the integrated rear EPB, which this build is designed around.
- Axle scope: front and rear rotors with a 6-piston front caliper and factory rear caliper retained.
- Pad pairing: run the STOPFLEX carbon ceramic-specific pads for the low-dust and friction behavior described here.
If you're not sure your car matches the spec shown here, send us your details and we'll confirm Model 3 Highland fitment before you order through our Tesla CCB collection.
Build Gallery
FAQ
Will the 355mm front and 335mm rear setup clear factory 19-inch Model 3 Highland wheels?
Yes. In this build the 355mm front and 335mm rear carbon ceramic rotors and the 6-piston front caliper were configured to keep clearance with the factory 19-inch Tesla Model 3 Highland wheels. Confirm your exact wheel before ordering.
Why keep the factory rear caliper instead of a multi-piston rear kit?
The Model 3 Highland runs an integrated electronic parking brake at the rear. Keeping the factory rear caliper preserves native EPB function and avoids bracket and control headaches, while the STOPFLEX rear carbon ceramic rotor still adds thermal capacity and balance.
Does an EV still need carbon ceramic brakes if regen does most of the slowing?
Yes. Regen covers light daily slowing, but hard stops, long descents, and emergency braking still load the friction system. On a heavy EV, carbon ceramic rotors give you more thermal headroom, less unsprung mass, and steadier pedal feel.
What does this STOPFLEX setup actually change day to day?
You get stronger fade resistance under repeated hard stops, a more linear front pedal from the 6-piston caliper, lighter rotating mass from the carbon ceramic rotors, and very low brake dust when paired with STOPFLEX pads.
Will STOPFLEX carbon ceramic rotors rust on a daily-driven Model 3 Highland?
No. STOPFLEX carbon ceramic rotors do not rust after rain exposure, which is a real advantage on a regen-heavy EV that sits parked outside between drives.
