Brakes are the most safety-critical feature of any motor vehicle. Driving enthusiasts who prefer pricier, high-performance vehicles understand that a more advanced braking system is necessary to contain and handle their sports cars. At Executive Automotive in Santa Fe, we offer a wide variety of braking system options and accessories exclusively for European luxury sports cars.
Do high-performance brakes make a difference?
Modern brakes are typically engineered well enough for average drivers and their vehicles. They are designed and built to a price point to keep costs down and still provide safe performance.
However, you aren’t the average driver and you don’t own the average vehicle. For high-performance braking systems, quality aluminum brake calipers replace those conventionally made of iron and steel. These calipers are lighter in weight, and thus lessen the sport vehicle’s “unsprung weight” on its suspension.
Unsprung weight includes all of your auto parts which come into direct contact with your wheels and move up and down as you travel over bumps and potholes in the road. These parts must be tough enough to handle the vibrations and they serve to shield the rest of the car from the shocks of the road.
The lower the unsprung weight, the better the contact your tires have with the road surface, and the better your braking power. Less unsprung weight improves the steering feel, handling response, and the overall performance of your luxury automobile.
Are you a spirited driver? Many car enthusiasts are. Bring in your vehicle to Executive Automotive and let’s discuss your vehicle and your driving needs. We can then advise you on the appropriate upgrade package for your braking system.
What are high-performance brakes?
Driving enthusiasts who own high-end cars demand the best braking performance possible. Light-weight rotors and high-performance brake pads make world class braking systems which are superior to factory equipment.
Owners of luxury premium-priced vehicles appreciate Executive Automotive’s workmanship, high quality parts, and attention to detail. We welcome you to schedule an appointment at our Santa Fe auto repair shop for a high-performance brake system upgrade.
Below are three of the essential components of your braking system.
Brake Rotors
Installing carbon-ceramic brake rotors is one of the best ways to improve your vehicle’s braking performance. Lighter and with a longer service life than commonly used cast-iron rotors, these rotors resist heat fatigue and brake fade.
Also, carbon-ceramic brake rotors perform more powerfully and consistently for high-performance vehicles and are typically only found in high-priced luxury sports cars because their owners want the best.
Brake Pads
Brake pads and rotors work in sync and they should be matched to work together. A high-performance brake pad has a good friction level, pedal feel, and can hold a high performance level through all braking cycles without fading. Additives such as copper or coke may be blended into the pad for more “stickiness” on your upgraded performance rotors.
High performance brake fluid
Braking systems generate friction, elevating the temperature of your brake fluid. Boiling brake fluid is the main cause of brake fade under hard braking.
For high performance driving, use glycol brake fluid instead of silicone-based fluid. Glycol-based brake fluid is much less compressible than silicone fluid and has a high wet boiling point.
Although silicone brake fluid does not absorb moisture from the air and is not corrosive to painted surfaces, it can still carry humidity on its surface, lowering the wet boiling point.
On the other hand, glycol brake fluid is hygroscopic; it can mix with airborne moisture and still perform adequately. It has high dry and wet boiling points and thus is more suitable for performance driving.
The older your brake fluid, the more moisture it can hold, which reduces the boiling point, which is something you do not want. To avoid this, use glycol-based brake fluids and have your fluids drained and replaced regularly.
Call us today at Executive Automotive for a high-performance brake upgrade or brake maintenance. We are the best Santa Fe auto repair shop in Northern New Mexico providing dealer level diagnostics and specialized care for all European sports models. You can easily schedule an appointment online. Don’t wait too long to enjoy the best performance of your sweet foreign luxury sports car!