Brake rotors and brake pads slow or stop your car through the use of friction.  But, did you know that there are two different friction mechanisms at which brakes operate?  If not, no need to worry.  This article will tell you what these two friction mechanisms are and why it will prove useful for you to know.  

So, what are the two friction mechansims you say?  The answer is abrasive and adherent friction.  Abrasive friction and adherent friction are the two ways your brakes absorb and handle heat when stopping. While all brakes display a bit of both mechanisms, certain vehicles might utilize one over the other.

Abrasive friction is the mechanism by which the energy of motion is transferred to thermal energy through the breaking of chemical bonds of the brake pads and the brake rotors.  T...

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...

This question is asked by many, and there is no simple answer to the question.   There are a few different reasons that a brake rotor would need to be adjusted or replaced, but not one that applies to all situations.  In a lot of cases, you may not even have to replace a brake rotor as they could simply be resurfaced back to factory specifications using special equipment. 

What we are going to do with this article is explain to you a few different circumstances when brake rotors need to be replaced and also situations where brake rotor repair is not recommended.

There is a whole list of things that can damage a brake rotor or make it seem as so.

Normally when your brake rotor is damaged, you will experience symptoms that you can notice when driving.  These things involve poorer braking pe...