There is a very effective way for auto enthusiasts to reduce the brake fluid temperature overall during periods of high performance driving, and it involves making material changes to the brake caliper components. 

There are several different types of metals that can be used as a connective between brake pads and brake system fluid, and it is the properties of the metals that will affect the thermal transfer of heat from one to the other.

We are going to review the various materials commonly used in brake caliper components in this article, and discuss thermal barriers that can be used to further shield heat transfer to a brake systems fluid.

Stock Caliper Metals Used

Stock brake caliper pistons that come from the factory are made from steel as a rule of thumb. You might find that stainles...

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If you are planning to purchase performance brake rotors for your vehicle, you should study brake rotor vein design before making your final decision about any brake rotor design, brand, and type. 

High end brake rotors utilize highly tested and/or patented designs that are very effective at dispersing heat, while stock rotors are much less apt to do so.  When performance brake rotors are engineered at the factory, they are done so to maximize surface area and modify air exchange to some degree. 

A well designed high performance brake rotor will be engineered to work much like a heat exchanger, and serve to evenly disperse heat across the brake rotor in a highly efficient manner.

A stock brake rotor, on the other hand, will have a less of a focus on increas...

If your brake pad wear indicators are squealing your name, then the information listed on this article will be of great use to you.

The likelihood exists, of other braking system parts being worn at the time of pad removal, so it’s good policy to check over your entire braking system at this time. Parts become compromised through corrosion, abuse, and old age, so be proactive about fixing substandard parts when you have the opportunity to do so.

Here is a list of things that mostly commonly fail on a braking system that you should be looking out for specifically:

Seals and Fittings- The easiest way to identify seal problems is to check for existing brake fluid leaks. Move around any brake system components that are attached to the brake line itself for excessive play as this may be a ...

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There are several different options available when completing a brake system upgrade.  By default, the driver should be looking at getting away from stock vehicle rotor material types if they plan on doing any elevated degree of performance driving. 

Putting undue stress on a braking system that has not been designed for the purpose will most likely end with brake failure or unpredictability. 

Performance from a set of rotors will mostly depend on how much money the driver wants to spend, as rotor materials vary highly in their price.  Simple two piece iron designs with cross drilling may be all that is needed for some of driving habits, but exotic materials can be utilized to increase a braking systems capacity for heat while reducing the vehicles weight.

There a...

Caliper Clamping Pressure- What Effects It and How It Affects Braking Performance

In a high performance braking system, you will have integrated as standard a high performance brake caliper that has all the best features integrated. 

A braking caliper that is made of strong materials will be resistant to flex or torsion, and multiple pistons will create more points of contacts on the brake pads.  This combination of features will increase clamping force of the brake caliper over stock, and will do so without undesired consequences. 

Installing a set of high performance brake rotors with only one of these features included will not benefit the braking system as both work together to accomplish the goal.

If you are looking to increase your vehicles stopping power, then a brake caliper swap is...