Brake callipers are an important part of a car's disc braking system. They fit over the front wheel rotor and help slow down the vehicle. When you engage the brake pedal, the calliper applies pressure to metal plates called brake pads, creating friction that slows the wheels.
There are different brake callipers designed for specific vehicles and driving conditions. Some callipers are simple and affordable, while others are advanced and offer better braking performance.
In this blog, we will examine the different brake calliper types found in cars.
Various types of car brake callipers
Below are the different types of brake callipers used in vehicles today:
1. Floating (sliding) brake callipers
Floating brake or sliding callipers are commonly used in modern vehicles. They are popular in passenger cars due to their affordability and efficiency.
How they work:
- These callipers have a single piston on one side of the brake disc.
- When pressing the brake pedals, hydraulic pressure pushes the piston, forcing one brake pad against the disc.
- As the pad makes contact, the calliper slides along guide pins, pulling the opposite pad towards the disc to create braking force.
Advantages:
- Lightweight and simple design.
- Lower manufacturing costs, making them affordable.
- Effective for everyday driving and light braking needs.
Disadvantages:
- They can wear unevenly over time due to their sliding mechanism.
- Less braking power compared to fixed callipers.
- Susceptible to corrosion, which can cause the calliper to stick.
2. Fixed brake callipers
Fixed callipers are more advanced than floating callipers. Unlike sliding callipers, they do not move but are bolted in a fixed position over the brake disc.
How they work:
- Fixed callipers have pistons on both sides of the brake disc.
- On pressing the brake pedals, the pistons apply equal pressure on both sides, squeezing the pads against the disc.
- This results in more balanced and effective braking.
Advantages:
- Provides better braking performance.
- More even wear on the brake pads.
- More durable and less likely to fail over time.
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than floating callipers.
- Heavier, which can add extra weight to the vehicle.
- Requires more maintenance and is harder to repair.
3. Single-piston callipers
Single-piston callipers are the simplest type of brake callipers and are mostly used in small cars.
How they work:
- They have just one piston on one side of the brake disc.
- When the brake is applied, the piston pushes one brake pad against the disc while the calliper slides to pull the opposite pad into contact.
Advantages:
- Affordable and easy to maintain.
- Lightweight, making them efficient for fuel economy.
- Suitable for standard road use.
Disadvantages:
- Single-piston callipers provide less braking force compared to multi-piston ones.
- Less effective for high-speed or heavy vehicles.
- More prone to uneven brake pad wear.
4. Dual-piston callipers
An upgrade from single-piston callipers, dual-piston callipers are commonly found in high-performance cars and larger vehicles.
How they work:
- They contain two pistons that apply equal pressure to the brake pads.
- This results in better braking force and more even pad wear.
Advantages:
- Provides stronger stopping power than single-piston callipers.
- More balanced braking force.
- Better heat dissipation, which minimises the risk of brake fade.
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than single-piston callipers.
- Slightly heavier, which can affect vehicle efficiency.
5. Multi-piston callipers
Multi-piston callipers are used in high-performance vehicles, sports cars, and heavy-duty trucks that require superior braking power.
How they work:
- These callipers contain four, six, or even more pistons. The multi-piston setup applies pressure evenly across the brake pad, increasing braking efficiency.
- The larger surface area helps better heat dissipation, preventing brake fade during aggressive driving.
Advantages:
- Superior braking power, ideal for high speeds.
- More even wear on the brake pads.
- Reduces heat buildup, improving braking efficiency.
Disadvantages:
- Expensive and complex to install.
- Requires more maintenance.
- Heavier, which can impact fuel economy.
6. Electromechanical brake callipers
Commonly used in electric and hybrid cars, electromechanical brake callipers use an electric motor instead of hydraulic pressure to apply the brakes. Electronic parking brakes and regenerative braking systems often use these callipers.
How they work:
- An electric motor inside the calliper activates the braking system.
- Instead of hydraulic pressure, these callipers use electric power controlled by an electronic control unit.
Advantages:
- Improves fuel efficiency by reducing drag.
- Can be controlled electronically for advanced braking systems.
- Often used in self-driving and electric cars.
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than traditional hydraulic callipers.
- Requires a reliable electrical system to function.
- Can be difficult to repair.
Conclusion
Brake callipers play a key role in ensuring a vehicle stops safely. Regular maintenance of brake callipers is essential to ensure they work properly and keep you safe on the road.
In addition to maintaining your braking system regularly, you must ensure that you have chosen good car insurance with extra coverage. You can easily select and purchase car insurance online and opt for a policy that covers damages caused by accidents, including brake failures and repair costs.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.