Brakes are similar to wearing safety guards while playing rugby. They are crucial for the safety of vehicles. Brakes are a piece of complicated hardware, and not everyone knows their components and working. As they are found just about everywhere, some misconceptions were sure to arise. We are here to break those myths.
Big brake kit gives brake superpowers
It is a fact that big brake kits improve the consistency of brakes exponentially. The distance required to stop can be reduced, but it’s still not possible to stop a car immediately.
Brake kits, as you probably believe, are not for improving the braking power of brakes. Better tires and a good braking fluid do that job. Braking kits allow for calipers and brake pads to be of bigger size causing the heat dissipation to be a fluid process. This gives the brake the same braking power irrespective of the conditions, may it be track days or fast driving roads.
Noisy brakes mean replacement
It is in our nature to think something is broken or needs replacement if it’s making unnatural sounds. Contrary to general belief, brakes are supposed to make squealing and knocking sounds. While some brakes are specifically designed to make noise only when they become faulty, this isn’t the case for all of them.
A braking system uses friction to perform its task. Braking systems under high-pressure cause brake pads and rotors to make a squealing noise. Calipers, which are made for racing cars, have space allowing them to make contractions and expansion easily. This causes them to make knocking sounds.
Brake pads should produce low dust
The first thing you may notice about a dirty car can easily be brake pads covered with dirt. Brakes use friction to perform their job; it is given that brake pads will produce dust.
Some very high-quality brake pads have properties that cause dust to be not visible on them, but they do produce dust. It is a misconception that high-quality brake pads produce low amounts of dust. However, dust can lower brake performance under extreme conditions. Make sure you are regularly washing these for great stopping power.
Using water to cool down brakes
Friction and heat are complimentary. As frictional power is used in braking systems, they tend to get hot. The worst thing you can do is cool them down with water. It can damage the rotors and braking pads.
Warped braking pads cause vibration in the steering wheel while braking. It will not only cause irritation but can also result in brake failures. The best way to cool down the brakes is to let them sit for a while. That is why it is advised to let the car cool down before washing it after a long run.
Installing big brake kits need all 4 brakes to be upgraded
It may sound weird to upgrade just one side of the brakes in your car. You may think it will make the car unstable, but it is actually advisable to upgrade just the front brakes of vehicles.
Front brakes contribute to around 80 percent of total stopping power. So, even if you don’t upgrade the brakes at the back, it won’t make much difference but will save you a load of cash.
