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The first step to better braking system performance is to make sure all the components are working as they should. This means the brake booster isn't leaking vacuum and is supplying proper boost to the brake master cylinder, the master cylinder isn't leaking, and the calipers don't have torn boots, leaking pistons, or corrosion that would otherwise prevent the proper pad motion. If the pads don't retract fully from the rotor, they will wear prematurely and also retain more heat in the pad, which may impact braking performance.

If you have ABS on your car, make sure there are no ABS fault lights or have the system checked by the dealer or an independent shop to make sure it is functioning properly.

Next, you should make sure the brake fluid is completely flushed yearly. This is because brake fluid likes to absorb water from the air, and since the brake fluid reservoir is vented, any moisture in the air will eventually end up in the brake fluid. Since water is more compressible than brake fluid, and also boils at a much lower temperature than fresh brake fluid, water in the fluid will lead to a soft pedal and corrosion of expensive brake system components. Use a high quality fluid meeting the DOT specs (e.g., DOT-3) in the owner's manual of your car. Use the fluid with the highest "dry" boiling point that you can find. More frequent flushing of the fluid is indicated in severe use environments such as towing or motorsports.

Once you have the above items taken care of, performance-oriented pads will offer the best "bang for the buck" improvement in braking performance.

After pads, better brake rotor cooling will keep the pads cool, which will keep the pads cool and will reduce the amount of heat transfered to the calipers, which will increase the potential for the fluid to boil and cause a soft pedal.

Finally, don't overlook proper use of the brakes as a way to improve brake system performance. Don't ride the brakes unnecessarily. In an emergency, brake as hard as you can initially and then ease off the brakes as you slow the car. Many people will brake softly at first and then end up asking too much of the brakes as they run out of stopping room.

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17y ago

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