Automotive Tips - Page 2
Why Is There a Notch in My Brake Rotor? Understanding Mill Balancing
A Mill Balanced Notch in Brake Rotors Reduces Vibration While Driving Depending on what type of brake rotors you have, you may notice small notches on the side of them. Those milled areas are a result of the process used to balance rotors, called “mill balancing”. A mill balanced brake rotor reduces vibration and is […]
Towing Safety & Tips: Brake Fade and Brake Fluid Boil
Towing Safety & Tips: Brake Fade and Brake Fluid Boil Brake Fade and Brake Fluid Boil are serious issues that can reduce your vehicle’s braking performance and put you – and others on the road – in danger. Because of this, it’s important to understand what these conditions are, what causes them, how to handle […]
What Are The Different Types of Brake Fluid?
Different Types of Brake Fluid Brake fluid is the lifeblood of the brake system and a commonly overlooked, but integral, part of your vehicle. It is a hydraulic fluid responsible for one job: Stopping your vehicle! Brake fluid transfers the action of pushing on the pedal to the brake calipers or drums through a series […]
What is a Brake Warning Light & How To Fix It
In this article, we will go over what a brake warning light looks like, how to inspect possible issues related to it, and the different options to fix it. When a check engine light comes on it’s a scary sight. It can turn an otherwise great day into a stressful one in an instant. Unfortunately, […]
Brakes Clicking When You Change Direction?
Why Are My Brakes Clicking When Changing Direction? Wondering why your brakes click? If you just changed your brake pads and brake rotors and hear a clicking noise coming from the brake every time you change direction from forward to reverse, it’s most likely hardware clips. Most modern cars have an anchor bracket-style caliper that […]
Do You Need New Hardware With New Brake Pads?
Do You Need New Hardware With New Brake Pads? New brake pads need new hardware. It’s important that every time you change your brake pads you are changing the brake pad hardware with them. The constant heating and cooling of normal driving will weaken your brake pad’s hardware over time. Compromised hardware can lead to […]
Rotor Resurfacing: Should I Replace or Machine Brake Rotors?
Rotor Resurfacing/Machine Rotors Brake rotors incrementally lose some thickness whenever the brakes are applied. Although some people machine rotors to extend rotor life, there are downsides to resurfacing rotors instead of replacing them. Machining can lead to poorer quality rotors and safety issues. The process is also time-consuming and can be difficult to do correctly. […]
Track Day vs Track Day Spec: Which Brake Pads Should You Use on Track?
Which Brake Pads Should You Use on Track Day? PowerStop has developed two lines of brake pads for Track Days to work with your high performance track car. Track Day and Track Day Spec. Both deliver a major performance upgrade for super pedal feel, maximum friction coefficient, and consistent maximum performance with High-Carbon Track Day […]
Z23 vs Z26: Which Brake Pad Upgrade Is Right for You?
Z23 Evolution Sport or Z26 Street Warrior Performance Brake Pad Kit Z23 vs Z26: which one is right for you? You’ll need to know what kind of performance you want to get out of your brake pads and your driving style. The Z23 pads are a Carbon-Fiber Ceramic formula that offer great dust-free braking performance. […]
Solid or Vented – Which Brake Rotor Type Do You Need?
Which Brake Rotor Type Is Best For Your Vehicle? Solid or Vented? Which type of brake rotors do you need, solid or vented? When selecting your new rotors, you’ll want to be certain if you’re getting the correct type for your vehicle. You can see the difference while looking at the side of the rotor. […]
6 Summer Car Cleaning & Detailing Mistakes to Avoid
Time To Clean Your Vehicle – Don’t Make These Detailing Mistakes! Depending on the level of service you seek, the cost of detailing a vehicle can reach hundreds of dollars. While it may be convenient to pay professionals to care for your vehicle’s appearance, it can be more personally rewarding – and cost-effective – to […]
Tips To Prepare For Driving In Winter Weather
Be sure you and your vehicle are prepared for winter weather with these helpful tips! Winter is coming for much of the country and with that brutal snow and freezing temperatures. From regular maintenance to gathering supplies that could come in hand in a pinch, we have you covered. Tips To Prepare For Driving In […]
Do You Need New Rotors? Understanding Minimum Rotor Thickness
Brake rotors Are Circular Discs That Connect to a Vehicle’s Wheels When you press down on the brake pedal, brake fluid transfers the pressure on the pedal to the calipers, causing them to squeeze your brake pads against the surface area of the rotors. The friction created by the pads pressing against the rotors slows […]
What is The Leaf Mark On the Side Of PowerStop Brake Pad Boxes?
The Copper Content Leaf Mark – What Is It? Have you seen the leaf mark on the side of PowerStop brake pad boxes? If you look on the side of the PowerStop brake pad box, there’s a small leaf symbol guaranteeing the brake pads within the box comply – at the specified level – with […]
Best Road Trip Tips For Beginners
5 Tips To Plan Your First Road Trip Looking to head out on your very first road trip? Check out these tips to plan the perfect trip for beginners! A road trip is a great way to sightsee and reconnect with friends and family along the way. Road trips can be an inexpensive, enjoyable, safe, […]
What is ECE R90 Certification for Brake Pads? Euro-Stop
ECE R90 Certification for Brake Pads What is ECE R90? ECE-R90 guarantees the same performance as the OE brake component. In North America, there is no government regulation that requires brake parts to be certified to meet OE specifications prior to being sold. However, Europe has strict quality standards. ECE R90 is for European vehicles. […]
PowerStop Z23 Evolution Sport vs Euro-Stop Brake Pads
Z23 Evolution Sport V.S. Euro-Stop Brake Pads Can’t decide which brake pads to get? Torn between the Z23 Evolution Sport and the Euro-Stop brake kits? Both brake pads are great, they fit different needs. PowerStop Z23 Brake Pads PowerStop’s Z23 brake pads give your “Daily-Driver” the stopping power what it deserves! This easy-to install brake […]
Track Day Prep: Tips to help you get track-ready.
Track Day Prep – Before you hit the track for the first time Are you getting ready for your first day out on the track, maybe your first Gridlife event? What track day prep have you done to prepare for the event? We worked with the Bondurant Racing School to give you some brake and […]
What Causes the Brake Pedal to Pulse or Vibrate?
When you apply the brakes while driving and notice a wobbly pulsation coming from the brake pedal, you should determine the cause of the pulsating feeling. Pulsating brakes can be felt in a shaking steering wheel, a pulsating brake pedal, or in the seat as it vibrates when braking. If you feel the brakes pulsate […]
Can I Use My Original OE Equipment with PowerStop Products?
OE Equipment & PowerStop Brakes Products Yes, you can use your original OE equipment with PowerStop products. PowerStop products are made to OEM specifications. There are no special modifications needed on your car, truck, or SUV. What Does OEM Mean? OEM stands for “Original Equipment Manufacturer,” OEM parts are items used in or on vehicles […]
Why Trucks That Tow Need Better Brakes
Trucks That Tow Need Better Brakes Any time you add weight to a vehicle by hauling a load, towing a trailer, or simply adding a larger wheel/tire combination, you change the operating conditions of your stock brake package. Those operating conditions may exceed the ability of the stock braking components. When this happens, it is […]
Brake Warning Light On? Understanding Brake Sensors
A Brake Warning Light Can Indicate It’s Time To Replace Brakes Brake pads can have a safety feature of electronic wear sensors. When the brake pads get worn beyond the minimum thickness, the sensor will trigger a warning light on your dashboard that it is time to replace the brakes. When replacing your brake pads, […]
What Are The Different PowerStop Brake Pad Options?
PowerStop Brake Pad Options Z16 Clean Ride Ceramic Pads with dual rubber backed shims PowerStop Z16 Evolution Clean Ride Ceramic brake pads are engineered for noise-free braking with dual rubber backed shims that offer 6 times more noise reduction than plain steel shims. The pad surfaces are thermal scorched for fast break-in. Evolution pads […]
Brake Squeal – Causes and Solutions
Brake squeal is more than just annoying. If you find yourself applying the brakes and hear a piercing noise like someone dragging their fingernails across a chalkboard, it can be an indication that something isn’t right. Not only can a squealing sound from the brakes be irritating, but it can also be dangerous. Below, we […]