Brake calipers are the main component of brake systems. They have several pistons that compress, resulting in friction on the rotors - slowing down the car. Depending on the number of pistons, it results in a slower or faster stopping time. In this blog, we take a closer look at the three most popular options and their performance.
2 Piston Brake Calipers
Cars with smaller sizes and less horsepower are regularly equipped with two-piston brake calipers. Sometimes this can result in slower brake times, despite the manufacturer's brake force calculations. But this also makes the rotors and brake pads run much cooler than bigger and more complex caliper designs. An added bonus is that they are typically less expensive to maintain and service.
4 Piston Brake Calipers
With four-piston brake calipers, we are getting into the more enthusiastic and powerful vehicles. With the extra horsepower comes the need for an increase in brake force. This is achieved by an increased number and size of the pistons. While they bring the car to a stop faster and more efficiently, they get hotter, resulting in the brake pads wearing out faster. Depending on the brand, repair/service prices can differ - Brembo calipers are on the more expensive side for example. Some cars can be equipped with a pair of calipers on either the back or front wheels.
6 Piston Brake Calipers
Taking a look at six-piston calipers, we normally find them on sports coupes or big heavy SUVs - in other words, cars that need a lot of brake power. Brands like Brembo, Wilwood, and even Porsche produce such calipers that can bring almost anything to a stop. They are much bigger and usually run hotter- making them prone to brake pad replacements. If you are looking for an upgrade, these are some of the best replacements you can make.
Brake Repairs At Euro Car Tech in Arlington, TX!
Are you having problems with your brake system, or want a better set of calipers? The team at Euro Car Tech has got you covered! We also offer a variety of other services and maintenance procedures which you can see in the "Services" tab in the menu.