Automotive Tips - Page 2
October 30, 2024

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 […]

October 15, 2024

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 […]

December 14, 2021

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 […]

June 28, 2019

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, […]

August 02, 2022

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 […]

December 16, 2022

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 […]

April 20, 2022

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. […]

September 27, 2018

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 […]

August 28, 2018

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. […]

October 19, 2022

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.  […]

August 14, 2018

Brake Fade and Brake Fluid Boil

Brake Fade and Brake Fluid Boil What is Brake Fade? Brake fade happens when too much heat created by friction prevents brakes from working properly. Though it comes in many forms, it can happen more often when you have more weight in or attached to your vehicle. However, there are things you can do to […]

washing and car cleaning detailing cover image
February 15, 2023

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 […]

winter weather driving tips
November 11, 2021

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 […]

January 27, 2022

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 […]

December 22, 2022

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 […]

Road Trip Tips For Beginners
September 29, 2021

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, […]

ECE R90, PowerStop, brake kit, brake pads, Euro stop, European vehicels
August 02, 2018

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. […]

July 30, 2018

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
July 03, 2018

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 […]

October 13, 2022

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 […]

February 28, 2023

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 […]

September 28, 2021

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 […]

February 14, 2022

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, […]

April 12, 2023

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 […]

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