A brief introduction to brakes and the reasons for their development with some advice thrown in for skilful mensurate.

Ever stop to recollect almost your brakes? Virtually people don't call up also much of them until they starting time squeaking, shaking or worse, requite out all-together. I don't have to exist a mechanical engineer in order to capeesh a piece of tech that in many instances has saved my life.

In that location is something quite special about braking systems that intrigues me and fifty-fifty more so in today's ever heavier, ever more powerful cars. The story behind the need for more than high performing brakes is a rather romantic one in my opinion and follows a "cause and consequence" guild.

bmw performance brakes 655x458 With our never-ending desire for more power, automobile manufacturers were forced to increase their engine size. This meant a larger displacement, more cylinders which bring with them actress intake and frazzle valves, larger camshafts, bigger radiators, larger intercoolers…the list goes on. All that power required a stronger, sturdier clutch and linkage. Additionally, now that the vehicle is capable of college speeds, it now requires stronger suspension parts to cope with the cornering abilities of the car.

Now on to the interior. On elevation of the power demands we make, we also like a bit of luxury. Goose egg makes u.s. feel more in control than a really comfy, leather clad, lumbar supportive, side adjustable, heated and cooled, massage capable electrical seat. Adjacent upwardly is prophylactic and airbags. Don't go me wrong, I'1000 non condemning these things, I'm just trying to make a indicate.

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Where are y'all going with this you may ask? If yous haven't picked upward on the theme but yet, it's weight. All of the above listed are bigger, heavier and carry more mass than their predecessor. Now for a bit of physics:

An object with a large mass, in movement (say 62 mph) takes longer to come up to a full cease than an object with a smaller mass. Or, in basic automobile talk, a heavier car takes longer to stop than a lighter car does.

Everything adds weight, and weight is the enemy.

BMW is investing more and more time and endeavour with their on-track presence at the Nurburgring, but likewise with their simulation exam rigs to ensure that the braking systems going on their cars, and later on your car are the best that they can be.

If nevertheless you lot are seeking something a bit more track oriented while at the aforementioned time keeping things civilized for everyday driving, then one quick expect at the BMW Performance Brake Kit will be your answer. These brakes are tested even more stringently and provide performance gains that normal driving wouldn't otherwise necessitate.

Additionally, regular brake fluid maintenance too as periodic brake line inspections are encouraged if you fall inside the "spirited driving" category.

Here are some more than tips that might come in handy too every bit extend the life of your brakes:

  • When constant braking is required, such as downhill driving, effort to be in a lower gear in club to provide some engine braking and help the breaks breathe out a scrap. Additionally, endeavor not to stand up on your brakes for as well long of a period. The friction cloth that your brake pads are made out of will brainstorm to breakdown and produce gases likewise equally estrus that generate a infinite between the pads and the rotor surface. To allow these gases and particles to escape too equally to cool your brakes, lift off from your brake pedal every then ofttimes. Not too often though equally y'all may start to annoy the auto behind you!
  • Later on excessive braking, endeavor not to drive through large puddles of h2o or wash your car immediately. The rotors are hot and the cold water can lead to your rotors warping. This will manifest itself through your steering bike vibrating or shaking when yous utilise the brakes.
  • BMW cars are somewhat notorious for the corporeality of brake dust that they generate. This might be due to the softer compounds that BMW utilize in the construction of the brake pads themselves. However, keeping your wheels clean and brake dust free will ensure that your brakes receive fresh, cool airflow. Likewise hot is bad and as well cold is too non practiced.
  • Lastly, if your BMW is equipped with brake cooling ducts that bring in fresh air from the front end or side air inlets, exist sure that no leaves or droppings is nowadays that could obstruct the period of air.

And now you know a little scrap more about your brakes, their evolution, the extensive tests that BMW carry in society to ensure that you are able to reign in your Ultimate Driving Auto as well as some basic tips to ensure that you are doing all that yous can to continue enjoying you lot road trips!

Happy motoring!

James Bachici is the newest contributor to BMWBLOG. Growing upwardly around cars, random car parts, grease, basics and bolts, air filters and the like, James volition provide the most upwardly-to-date news, interviews, manufactures and photos from beyond the globe covering BMW and automotive industry in full general.