Source: theDrive.com
The following is an abridged version of the review of brake calipers which appeared in theDrive.com, a leading automotive online publication. The entire article can be read by clicking on this sentence.
OWASSO, Okla. – There are many components that make up a vehicle’s brake system. If your car features disc brakes, then it comes with rotors, pads, and brake calipers. When you hit the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure runs through the brake line to the calipers, and pistons in the calipers place pressure on pads until the vehicle stops. Using the best brake calipers will improve your ride and comfort on the road. Here are the top-rated calipers you should consider if you need to swap them out.
Benefits of Brake Calipers
- Protect the brake pads. A high-quality brake caliper completely surrounds the brake pads, keeping them out of harm’s way. They can help prevent dust, grime, and dirt from building up under the pads to ensure they work properly when you need them most.
- Improve safety.A vehicle that stops efficiently and quickly will promote safety. Worn-out brake calipers may not function at their maximum efficiency and will slow down your braking time. If there is an obstacle, roadblock, or car accident in your way, your vehicle needs to be able to stop quickly so you don’t get hurt or injure anyone else.
- Enhance performance. Installing brand new brake calipers will improve the overall performance of your vehicle, whether it’s an SUV, car, or truck. They will provide a tighter and more secure squeeze on the brake pads, allowing them more grip on the brake rotors.
- Increase in stopping power. If you have ever had to abruptly step on the brakes, you can feel the stopping power behind them. The best will reduce the stopping distance of your vehicle by a large amount, keeping you further away from danger.
- Lengthen the lifespan. Swapping out your worn-out brake calipers with brand-new ones will lengthen the lifespan of your braking system. Those made of copper, metal, and dense ceramic last the longest and wear down your rotors, pads, and discs at a slower rate.
Types of Brake Calipers
Floating
Floating calipers feature one or two pistons on the inboard side of the rotor. Each piston pushes the caliper as soon as the brakes are applied to create friction between the brake pads and both sides of the rotor. The calipers move in and out relative to the rotor as well.
Fixed
The counterpart to floating calipers are fixed ones. As their name suggests, they do not move and instead have pistons arranged on opposite sides of the rotor. These are the most common and have improved performance. However, they’re also more expensive. High-performance fixed calipers can also have more pistons.
