I am wondering where you got your info from? I have seen many pics of vx's with stock tires totaled. And as far as that goes isn't it following too close that causes this to happen? I have larger and alot heavier tires than stock and have not rearended anyone . I think that the rubber lines on the vx brakes suck and that would be all I would change if there was a concern. And the stock pad thing,they are ceramic pads. If you go with a good ceramic pad then you do not need to by stock pads. shawn