How to maintain optimum brake performance in extreme conditions?

Brakes are an essential component for the safety of any vehicle, whether it is a car, motorbike, electric scooter or any other means of transport. Maintaining their optimum performance is crucial, especially when faced with extreme conditions such as high temperatures, humidity, difficult terrain or aggressive driving. The following are best practices to ensure that the braking system performs efficiently in demanding situations.

1. Selection of high quality components

Choosing premium quality brake components is critical to ensure optimum performance. SDT Brakes, renowned for its focus on safety, technology and durability, offers a wide range of products designed to withstand extreme conditions.

Its high performance brake pads are manufactured with advanced compounds that provide excellent response and wear resistance. In addition, the use of ventilated or drilled discs allows for better heat dissipation, which is especially important in demanding riding situations such as long descents or repetitive braking.

Remember that the friction material of the brake pads must be compatible with the type of disc being used. A bad combination can reduce braking efficiency or accelerate component wear.

2. Regular maintenance and periodic checks

Proper maintenance is essential for the proper functioning of the brakes. Periodic inspections are recommended every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometres, depending on vehicle use. Some key items to check include:

- Brake pads: Check the thickness of the friction material. If they are below the recommended limit (usually 3 mm), it is time to change them.

- Brake discs: Check for cracks, deformation or signs of overheating. Brake hoses: Look for signs of wear, cracks or leaks.

- Brake fluid: Check the level and quality of the fluid, as it can degrade over time due to moisture absorption. Establishing a preventive maintenance programme not only ensures consistent performance, but also avoids costly repairs and reduces the risk of critical failures.

3. Use of appropriate brake fluids

Brake fluid is vital for the transmission of braking force. In extreme conditions, it is crucial to use a high quality fluid, such as DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 specification, which have a higher boiling point than conventional fluids.

- DOT 4: This is the most common and suitable for most vehicles, offering a good balance between price and performance.

- DOT 5.1: This is designed for more demanding conditions and is ideal for sports cars or aggressive driving.

Also, remember that brake fluid should be changed every 2 years or sooner if the vehicle is used in humid climates, where it is more prone to absorb water, which can reduce its effectiveness.

4. Maintaining your hearing aids for optimum performance

Cars and motorbikes

These vehicles require robust braking systems capable of handling high speeds and loads. To ensure optimum performance:

- Use drilled or grooved brake discs on high-performance vehicles.

- Change brake pads frequently if you do sporty driving or participate in track days.

Electric scooters

Although smaller, electric scooters also need efficient brakes.Be sure to:

- Adjust the brakes regularly, especially if you use scooters on uneven terrain.

- Clean discs or drums to avoid build-up of dust or dirt that can reduce efficiency.

5. Adapting to adverse weather conditions

Weather conditions significantly affect brake performance:

- Rain and humidity: Water can reduce the adhesion between pads and discs. After driving in heavy rain, perform light braking to dry the components.

- Extreme cold: Low temperatures can harden components and affect response. Use brake fluids designed for cold weather.

- Excessive heat: Overheating reduces the efficiency of the system. In these cases, ventilated discs or high boiling point liquids are essential.

6. Importance of brake hoses

Brake hoses are responsible for transmitting hydraulic pressure from the pedal to the brake calipers.In extreme conditions, metal hoses are the best choice, as they offer greater resistance to heat and pressure.

Opting for reinforced brake line kits from SDT Brakes not only improves braking precision, but also extends the life of the system.

7. Driving techniques to preserve brakes

The way you drive has a direct impact on brake wear:

- Anticipatory driving: Watch traffic ahead of time and use engine braking to slow down. This reduces the need for hard braking.

- Progressive braking: Apply the brakes gradually rather than hard on the brakes. This generates less heat and reduces wear.

- Long descents: Use low gears to maintain a constant speed without over-reliance on the brakes.

8. Warning signs to watch out for Watching for warning signs will help you avoid major problems:

- Metallic noises: Indicate that the pads are worn and need to be replaced.

- Spongy pedal: This can be caused by air in the hydraulic system or brake fluid leaks.

- Vibration during braking: Usually points to deformed or dirty discs.

Recommended products for brake maintenance

In addition to the main components, there are complementary products that make it easier to care for the brake system:

- Brake cleaners: Ideal for removing debris and dirt that affect performance.

- Disc protection paint: Prevents corrosion and extends disc life.

10. Conclusion

Visit our online shop at sdtbrakes.com and buy the best products for car brakes, bike brakes, scooter brakes, etc.For any questions or information you can also call us at 93 198 78 18 / (+34) 622 618 891 or send us an email to info@sdtbrakes.com