Brake calipers are a crucial component of your vehicle. As part of the brake system, they house your brake pads and pistons. When you push the brake pedal, brake fluid puts force on the pistons, which squeezes the brake pads against the rotor and slows your car. Your calipers keep your car secure, allowing it to arrive at a complete halt.
Many car owners add additional covers or coatings to their calipers. These additions can cut down on brake dust, keeping your wheels cleaner, as well as adding color to an area that is typically bland. You could install caliper covers or apply paint. Both options can enhance your calipers, but they differ in cost, installation type and other factors.
Learn more about the difference between caliper paint and covers, and how Top Flight Automotive can help.
Caliper Covers vs. Paint
Both caliper covers and paint are excellent options for upgrading your car. Learning about the difference between caliper paint and caliper covers can help you pick the best option.
Caliper covers are custom-designed to fit over brake calipers. Typically made from iron or aluminum, they protect your calipers from debris while lessening brake dust. You can choose from a wide range of colors and styles. Caliper covers are a popular option because of their aesthetic qualities and high-level protection.
Caliper paint is a special-purpose paint type for brake calipers. You can apply it to the components to enhance their appearance. Some paints also feature protective coatings that resist chipping, cracking or rust. You can buy paint in spray cans or comprehensive kits with extra application tools. You can then apply the paint yourself or hire professional help.
Here is a closer look at a few differences between caliper covers and caliper paint:
Cost
One of the most significant differences between the two is their costs. In general, paint costs less than caliper covers. Most spray cans and special kits can fit easily into budgets. If you choose a professional application, their services will typically cost more.
On the other hand, caliper covers usually have a higher price tag than caliper paint. Their extreme strength, customization and durability increase their price. You can also hire a professional to install them, which would raise the overall cost. Many find the additional investment worth the extra protection and durability.
Ease of Application
The two options also vary by application style. Painting brake calipers is a lengthy process that requires precision and attention. To reach the calipers, you have to remove the wheels first. It’s best to use a car jack to lift the vehicle, then loosen the wheels’ lug nuts to remove them.
You can either remove the calipers or leave them attached while you paint. Unbolting them allows you to clean and paint them more thoroughly, but it requires specific tools and additional time. After you apply the paint, you should wait at least a day — that’ll let it dry completely.
Overall, the painting process requires significant effort and precision. Removing your calipers or wheels can become hazardous without sufficient training or knowledge.
Caliper covers have a simple installation procedure that usually takes around an hour. Caliper covers contain all of the necessary hardware, and you don’t have to remove the calipers during the attachment. You connect them with bolts and clips using typical hand tools.
Appearance
Both covers and paint can upgrade your calipers’ appearance.
The two choices provide different aesthetics, making the better option subjective. In other words, the best-looking choice depends on your preferences.
Caliper covers enclose the outer portion of your calipers completely, giving them an entirely new appearance. You can customize them with specific colors or engravings, allowing you to achieve a desired mood.
Caliper paint adds a subtler effect. The paint preserves your calipers’ original shape and adds an attractive layer of color. You can also remove the paint and add new colors if desired. Use cleaner and removers like sandpaper to lift the current layer and add a new one.
Durability
Lastly, caliper paint and covers differ in durability.
Caliper covers provide more protection and strength than caliper paint. They cover your calipers perfectly, providing optimal shielding against dust, debris and other environmental elements. Caliper covers can last for many years of use. While covers typically cost more than paint initially, they often outlast paint.
In contrast, paint offers less protection than caliper covers. While some options have protective coatings, they still wouldn’t match up to the durability of covers. Paint is also more likely to peel or crack over time, making reapplications necessary. Overall, caliper covers are usually the most durable option.
Caliper Covers From Top Flight Automotive
Top Flight Automotive carries a wide selection of car parts for many makes and models. Our extensive inventory consists of world-renowned brands, allowing you to upgrade or restore your vehicle with the highest quality components and tools.
We offer a wide selection of caliper covers. You can browse through our inventory to find the best fit for your preferences and needs. We organize our inventory by category, vehicle brand, color, price and more to make your search as easy as possible.
Remember that you should select a caliper cover that matches your car’s make and model. That way, it can fit precisely over the calipers. Top Flight Automotive carries many different caliper cover styles for a variety of models. For instance, we carry caliper covers that custom-fit Corvettes or Mustangs. Once you find your car model, you can refine your search by year and other specifications to find an exact fit.
Caliper Paint From Top Flight Automotive
Top Flight Automotive also offers a wide range of caliper paints. You can sort our offerings by price and paint type to find your best solution. We carry single cans of paint or entire paint kits, depending on the amount of paint you need to complete your project. Some of our painting kits also contain materials for rotor paint, allowing you to make a comprehensive upgrade.
Upgrade the Look Of Your Calipers With Top Flight Automotive Today
Both caliper covers and caliper paint can enhance your calipers’ appearance. Whether you prefer covers or paint, Top Flight Automotive can help you get started. Our extensive catalog of caliper materials can help you complete your upgrade project, no matter its scale.
To get started with Top Flight Automotive, browse our tools and brake parts today.
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