Know You're Safe After Installing Performance Brakes


by Daniel Cruse - Date: 2010-06-26 - Word Count: 510 Share This!

The disc brakes found on most modern vehicles today are a two-part brake system made up of a disc or rotor and a brake caliper assembly. The caliper assembly contains hydraulic pistons that push against the back of the brake pads, clamping them together around the spinning rotor to slow down the vehicle. The harder they clamp together, the more friction is generated, which in turn produces a higher level of heat. While this transfer of energy is necessary for the braking process, there is also a tipping point. When brakes become too hot, they quickly lose their effectiveness.

Often the result of extended or performance driving conditions, brake failure can be catastrophic. That's why the pros use performance brake components to ensure safety and stability. And, that practice has rapidly has made its way into the consumer market with vehicle owners upgrading their cars and trucks with a number of high-performing aftermarket parts.

One of the most effective upgrades to your brake system is the addition of performance brake pads, and ceramic brake pads make ideal replacements. They're forged from copper and result in less wear than their steel counterparts while providing a more effective heat transfer. In addition, performance brake pads cool faster, last longer and are virtually silent, generating a level of sound outside the range of human hearing. Plus, the dust created by a ceramic brake pad is light in color, keeping those chrome wheels polished to a high sheen and free of the black chalky discoloration produced by standard brake lining.

The second most important upgrade in relation to performance brake kits is a stronger set of rotors. Heat is the number one corruptor of brake performance. Also known as "brake fade," the pedal becomes soft or non-responsive after driving long distances or braking down a steep decline. Performance rotors are slotted, like those found on a racecar. This design allows for a more rapid cooling of the braking surface, which translates to increased performance and added bite. Plus, in wet weather, performance rotors channel water away from the braking surface by allowing it to pass more freely through the holes, adding significantly to overall performance by preventing the loss of braking power that accompanies waterlogged brakes. In addition to performance, slotted rotors are cross-drilled and fill more of the space behind the wheel to provide a tougher, race-ready look.

Another major component when it comes to brake accessories is a solid set of brake lines. Next to brake pads and rotors, brake lines are a major contributor when it comes to slowing your vehicle. Unlike the other two components, brake lines are somewhat exposed and easily damaged or punctured by rocks, sticks and other debris. When they become damaged, brake lines fail to deliver the proper amount of hydraulic fluid into the brake system, causing a lessened (and sometimes complete lack of) response. Unlike those flimsy rubber stock hoses, performance brake lines are crafted to last and come in stainless steel, resisting corrosion and abrasion while enhancing pedal-feel and greatly improving upon the performance of your stock parts.

Related Tags: brakes, brake pads

Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles

© The article above is copyrighted by it's author. You're allowed to distribute this work according to the Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs license.
 

Recent articles in this category:



Most viewed articles in this category:


  • Honda ATV Parts by Bowe Packer
    ATV owners are always on the look out for good quality ATV parts. This also applies to Honda ATV own
  • Polaris ATV's by Bowe Packer
    Polaris ATVs are considered as the worlds toughest ATVs currently available. These hardy machines ar
  • ATV 4 Wheelers by Bowe Packer
    There are many different shipway that people like to travel. From walk to running and play to drivin
  • Safe Driving Tips. Save Money, Save Your Life! by Frank Frost
    As you have observed, many drivers are idiots. Here are some tips to avoid accidental run ins with
  • How Car Dealers' Treat Women by Tom carey
    The first time I went on a big car lot to buy a car, was with my girlfriend at the time. The salesp
  • Dealing with tire troubles by Ryan Baliza
    It is therefore your obligation to regularly monitor your tires in order to make sure that they are
  • ATV Review by Bowe Packer
    I am sure that many of you have heard about ATVS and how they have the ability to go over rough and
  • Cover up with the Extang Tonneau by Janine Egert
    Extang is a name not unknown to many in the automotive industry. Having pioneered various
  • Honda ATV's by Bowe Packer
    There are certain types of names that just fill us with confidence regarding their products. These n
  • ATV Salvage Yards by Bowe Packer
    There are many people who like to tweak how their ATV performs in various conditions. For these indi