There’s an old saying that two is always better than one, while that may not always be true it does prove to be accurate where brake calipers are concerned. You may be wondering if there are benefits of having dual-piston calipers that outweigh those of a single-piston caliper. Understanding how your brake system works will be helpful when making such decisions.
When upgrading from a single caliper to a dual caliper system more surface area of the rotor is covered which allows for:
- Better stopping power
- Brake pads to last longer
- Less noise and vibration
- Less surface heat
If you would like to understand your brake system better and learn more about the benefits of using a dual caliper continue reading.
Holding Things Together So You Can Stop On a Dime
In case you are not completely sure of what a brake caliper is and how it is essential to a disc brake system this section will give you the basics so you can have a better understanding of how things work before going any further.
In order for your disc brake system to function, there must be brake calipers to hold everything together. The job of the brake caliper is to hold the brake pads in place as well as the piston(s).
In simple terms, the caliper functions similarly to a vice and is attached to the rotor. When pressure is applied to the brake by the driver, fluid will be pumped through the lines which will cause the pistons to be pushed against the brake pads and rotor to slow or stop the vehicle.
The more pressure is applied to the brake pedal the more the caliper will squeeze down on the pad causing friction which will allow the vehicle to stop. That is how a brake caliper works in a nutshell.
Double Pistons Means Double Stopping Power
When comparing a single-piston caliper to a double piston caliper it is not difficult to see the differences. As mentioned previously a caliper acts as a vice to clamp the brake pads to the rotors which create friction and eventually stop the vehicle.
With a single-piston caliper, the piston applies the pressure to the center of the brake pad. This can be detrimental to the life of the pads and caliper if the pressure being applied is not even.
When pressure is unevenly applied to the brake pad it can wear irregularly, creating grooves in the rotor which after some time can affect how well the vehicle stops. Uneven wear can also cause the brake pads to separate which will also result in your vehicle not stopping properly.
Benefit of Dual-Piston Brake Calipers are Beneficial
Dual-piston brake calipers are better for stopping and preserving the life of your brake system.
Here’s why:
- Can use larger brake pads because the dual-piston caliper can cover more surface area which results in your brake pads lasting longer than those on a single-piston caliper
- Distributes the pressure being applied by the pistons to the brake pads more evenly so they stop better and do not wear out as quickly
- Dual-piston brake calipers are able to create more circulatory force which means you will have better stopping capabilities when the need arises.
- Since a dual-piston caliper can accommodate larger pads there will be less vibration and noise when driving and stopping
- The dual-piston caliper can retract more quickly and completely so you can save gas money because there is less chance of the brakes sticking or scrubbing which can cause resistance resulting in higher gas mileage and extra wear and tear on your vehicle
Now, let’s see the cons of these kinds of brake calipers.
Cons of a Single-Piston Brake Caliper
With a single-piston brake caliper, you are restricted by the size of the piston. Single-piston calipers are notorious for causing brake pads and rotors to wear unevenly due to the fact that there is only one point of contact with the brake pad versus two evenly placed points of contact that come with a dual-piston brake caliper.
Dual-Piston Calipers Give Peace of Mind When Stopping Quick
Now that you understand how a brake caliper works you can confidently choose the best option for you. Opting for dual-piston brake calipers can give you peace of mind as you travel busy roads.
Having the knowledge that when you need to stop quickly your brakes won’t let you down can take a lot of stress off of your shoulders. You can focus more on your surroundings and not whether or not your brakes are going to fail.