Tesla Model S (2021+) Stage 1: Essential Brake Kit
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Your Model S or Model S Plaid accelerates like a supercar, so its stopping system should inspire equal confidence. Our Stage 1 Essential Brake Kit pairs UP x PFC high-performance pads with our Stainless Steel Sport Brake Lines to sharpen initial bite, firm up pedal feel, and improve modulation under repeated stops. It is a simple, drop-in upgrade that works with OEM calipers and rotors, ideal for spirited street driving, canyon runs, and occasional autocross. For heavier track use, consider our Stage 2 or Stage 3 systems. Compatible with all trims Tesla Model S 2021+.
These brake pads are designed for use with OEM Tesla brake calipers and rotors only. They are not compatible with the Tesla Model S Track Pack Brake Kits. If your vehicle is equipped with the Track Pack, please contact our team for the correct brake pad solution.
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Product Details
Tesla built the Model S and Model S Plaid to deliver incredible speed with everyday usability. That performance deserves braking you can trust when traffic closes, canyons tighten, or laps stack up. Stage 1 focuses on the two upgrades that transform confidence without changing calipers or rotors: brake pads and brake lines.
The UP x PFC Street & Track pad set is engineered for drivers who want real performance without daily compromises. The friction material provides strong initial bite, consistent torque, and excellent modulation at elevated temperatures while avoiding the harsh noise, excessive dust, and rapid rotor wear typical of pure race compounds. If you regularly enjoy twisty roads, spirited commutes, autocross, or light track days, these pads deliver the balanced behavior you expect from a premium OEM-plus solution.
For drivers who need maximum bite and higher thermal headroom in closed-course settings, our Competition pad option steps up to a more aggressive compound. Because the race-oriented material requires more heat and can increase noise and rotor wear, we do not recommend Competition pads for daily street use. Choose Street & Track for mixed street performance, move to Competition only if you accept the tradeoffs and primarily drive on track.
The second half of Stage 1 addresses pedal feel. The 2021+ Model S and Plaid ship with rubber brake hoses, which can expand under hard braking. Our Stainless Steel Sport Brake Line Set replaces those with Teflon-lined, stainless-braided hoses that resist expansion. The result is a firmer, more consistent pedal and finer control lap after lap or pass after pass. Each kit includes four lines tested to 3000+ psi, laser-cut brackets that match factory routing, crush washers, and banjo bolts. Professional installation is recommended.
For best results with any performance pad, we strongly recommend high-temperature racing brake fluid such as Motul RBF 660, PFC RH 665, Endless RF 650, or Castrol SRF. High-temp fluid helps maintain pedal consistency when the system gets hot. OEM DOT 4 fluid will function, but it can contribute to a mushy pedal in performance driving.
Who is Stage 1 for?
It is perfect if you want a noticeable jump in confidence with straightforward installation and OEM compatibility. Pads are drop-in for the stock calipers and rotors, ABS and stability systems remain untouched, and the car retains its daily comfort. Many of our customers run Stage 1 on spirited street builds and love the improved bite, feedback, and control.
When should you step up?
If your rotors are due or you want a bigger thermal buffer, Stage 2 moves to UP x PFC iron rotors matched with performance pads for additional consistency. If you are serious about repeated high-speed stops, frequent track days, or you simply want the lightest, most fade-resistant solution, Stage 3 upgrades to our Superlight Carbon Ceramic Front Big Brake Kit (BFB), which includes stainless lines.
Fitment note:
Pads are designed for Model S and Model S Plaid with OEM calipers. Stainless lines are for 2021+ Model S and Plaid. Always verify compatibility before purchase.
These brake pads are designed for use with OEM Tesla brake calipers and rotors only. They are not compatible with the Tesla Model S Track Pack Brake Kits. If your vehicle is equipped with the Track Pack, please contact our team for the correct brake pad solution.
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What is the cheapest way to make my Model S Plaid stop better?
Start with pads and lines before spending on big rotors. The Stage 1 Essential Brake Kit pairs UP x PFC high-performance pads with a stainless steel sport brake line set to sharpen initial bite and firm up the pedal, improving modulation under repeated stops. It is a drop-in upgrade that keeps your OEM calipers and rotors, which makes it the most affordable meaningful jump in braking confidence for a 2021+ Model S.
Does Stage 1 fit all 2021+ Model S trims?
The kit is compatible with all 2021 and newer Model S trims, Plaid and Long Range included, using the OEM calipers and rotors. One important exception: the pads are not compatible with the Tesla Model S Track Pack brake kits. If your car has the factory Track Pack, contact the team for the correct pad solution rather than ordering the standard kit.
What do the stainless brake lines actually change?
The 2021+ Model S ships with rubber brake hoses that can balloon slightly under hard braking, which softens the pedal. The kit’s Teflon-lined, stainless-braided lines resist that expansion, giving a firmer, more consistent pedal and finer control pass after pass. Each kit includes four lines tested past 3000 psi, laser-cut brackets matching factory routing, crush washers, and banjo bolts.
Street & Track pads or Competition pads, which should I pick?
Choose Street & Track for mixed use. Those pads give strong bite and consistent torque at heat, without the harsh noise and heavy dust of a pure race compound and with far less rotor wear. That combination suits twisty roads and spirited commutes with the occasional light track day. Only move to the Competition compound if you primarily run closed-course sessions and accept more noise and rotor wear, since it needs heat to work well.
Can I install Stage 1 in my driveway?
The pads are a genuine drop-in for the stock calipers and rotors, and the ABS and stability systems stay untouched, so pads are approachable for a capable DIYer. The brake lines involve opening the hydraulic system and bleeding it, so professional installation is recommended for that half. If you would rather have the whole job done and bled correctly, our team can take care of it.
Stage 1 versus the bigger Stage 2 and Stage 3 systems?
Stage 1 keeps your factory calipers and rotors and just upgrades pads and lines, ideal for spirited street builds that want more bite without changing hardware. If your rotors are due or you want more thermal buffer, Stage 2 moves to larger hardware. For frequent high-speed stops and the lightest, most fade-resistant setup, Stage 3 steps up to the carbon ceramic big brake kit.
Is Stage 1 enough for regular track days?
It is aimed at spirited street driving and canyon runs, plus the occasional autocross or light track day, and it delivers a noticeable jump in bite and feedback there. If you are running frequent, hard track days with repeated high-speed stops, the page itself points you to Stage 2 or Stage 3 for the extra thermal capacity. Match the kit to how often you push the brakes to their limit.
Do I need special brake fluid with these pads?
For best results with any performance pad, high-temperature racing fluid is strongly recommended. Good options include Motul RBF 660 and PFC RH 665, along with Endless RF 650 or Castrol SRF. High-temp fluid keeps the pedal consistent when the system gets hot. OEM DOT 4 will function, but it can go mushy under real performance driving, so fluid is the cheap insurance that lets the pads do their job.
Will the Competition pads be annoying for daily driving?
Likely yes, which is why they are not recommended for daily street use. The race-oriented compound needs heat to perform and can increase noise and rotor wear when cold, so around town it tends to feel grabby and get loud and dusty. For a car that is mostly a street machine with the odd track outing, the Street & Track pad is the better everyday companion.
Will these brake upgrades affect my Tesla warranty?
Bolting on pads and stainless lines does not automatically void your Tesla warranty. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act means Tesla has to demonstrate that the specific part caused a failure before denying that claim, and these components are designed to work with the OEM system. Keep your factory pads and hoses so you can revert, and have the lines installed and bled properly to avoid any issue.
Will upgrading my brakes void the Tesla warranty?
Tesla’s warranty covers factory-installed parts, but it does not automatically void your warranty if you install aftermarket components like Unplugged Performance brake kits. Under U.S. law (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act), Tesla must prove that an aftermarket part caused a failure in order to deny warranty coverage. Our parts are engineered to work harmoniously with Tesla OEM Brake systems and can be professionally installed by Unplugged Performance in Hawthorne, CA or by an authorized installer to minimize risk. That said, any damage directly caused by misuse or improper installation may not be covered. We recommend retaining all factory parts so you can revert to stock if needed. Many Tesla owners enjoy peace of mind by using Unplugged Performance products, which are extensively tested and installed by certified professionals. If warranty concerns are top-of-mind, our team can help clarify compatibility and installation best practices to ensure a worry-free experience.
What does the Unplugged Performance product warranty cover?
Unplugged Performance offers a comprehensive warranty on all parts and installations performed by our certified technicians. Warranty coverage applies to defects in materials and workmanship on items including lowering springs, coilovers, big brake kits, brake pads, stainless steel brake lines, shocks, and more. Should any covered part fail under normal use or display premature wear, we will repair or replace it at no additional cost—assuming the component was installed by us or at one of our authorized partners.
This warranty is valid for 2 years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first, excluding consumable products like brake pads, rotors, and tires, starting from the installation date. Coverage extends to labor for warranty repairs when performed by Unplugged Performance or an authorized installer. It does not cover damage resulting from misuse, accidents, off‑road use, improper installation not done by us, or modifications that aren’t factory-approved.
To file a warranty claim, simply contact our service team. We’ll guide you through inspection, shipping (if needed), and repair or replacement logistics. transparencia and top-tier support are what you can expect from Unplugged.
Will installing Unplugged Performance parts void my Tesla warranty?
Installing aftermarket parts does not automatically void your Tesla warranty. Under the Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act (www.sema.org/sema-enews/2011/01/ftc-validates-right-to-install-aftermarket-parts), a manufacturer cannot void your warranty simply because you installed aftermarket parts. Tesla must prove that the aftermarket part caused the specific failure in question to deny a warranty claim. UP recommends retaining all factory parts to allow reverting to stock if needed.
How can I find a dealer or authorized installer near me?
To find authorized installers or retailers of Unplugged Performance products in your area, please use the form on our website to provide your location details. This will help us connect you with an authorized installer nearby. You can find the form here.
What are the shipping options and times?
Unplugged Performance processes orders quickly, typically within 1–2 business days after placement. For U.S. customers, orders under $50 usually ship via FedEx SmartPost with an estimated delivery time of 2–7 business days. Larger items like body kits or bumpers may ship via freight carriers with curbside delivery; customers will be contacted to schedule a delivery window. International shipping is available to most countries, with shipping costs calculated at checkout. Delivery times abroad vary, generally ranging from 5 to 16 business days depending on destination. Import duties or taxes are the customer’s responsibility. To ensure a smooth shipping experience, provide accurate contact information during checkout. For specific questions or shipping quotes, Unplugged Performance’s support team is available to assist.