Brake Engineering caliper study ignites industry debate
A recent independent study on defect brake calipers has ignited a wider debate in the automotive industry on parts quality, skills and sector regulation, claims Brake Engineering.
The braking specialist recently published the results of an independent report that found significant safety defects in three brands of new calipers entering the automotive aftermarket.
In total, 29 structural and mechanical defects affecting the performance of calipers were detected, which all failed to meet standards and critical tolerances set by OEMs. All three brands were found to have used lower-grade material.
Motor factors and workshops alike have been quick to join the debate, with Howard Horwich from Horwich Motor Engineers believing the study highlights wider issues in the trade.
He said: “Having spent 50 years in the motor trade, I am concerned by the direction of the overall market. I have invested at every opportunity in my business and my own personal development over the years, having also trained mechanics on a supplier’s behalf. But there is still nothing to stop anybody from opening up a workshop with no skillset or experience. This results in unskilled technicians using poor quality parts and practices, meaning more dangerous cars on UK roads.
“I am not surprised by the findings of the Brake Engineering report. Unless we do something to raise standards and prices across the market, we will continue to have a disparity, which will bring the good businesses and technicians down. With little development of the MOT and apprentice route, perhaps now is the time to look more seriously at sector regulation.”
Brake Engineering Marketing Manager, Mark Hallam, said: “It’s important that professionals are entering the debate, and we have seen considerable engagement on the issue of parts quality across multiple platforms. We will continue to champion the use of high-quality parts, where performance specifications are met and the production process is fully traceable, which contribute to raising industry standards.”
Brake Engineering has introduced more than 60 new brake calipers into its range since the start of 2024. The company said this move underlined its commitment to UK remanufacturing and supporting motor factors and workshops alike.
The new additions include calipers for multiple VMs, including Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Citroën, Cupra, Fiat, Ford, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, Seat, Toyota, Vauxhall, Volkswagen and Volvo.
In total, the new caliper additions cover more than 150 passenger car and LCV applications. Calipers have also been added for EVs: Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model 3.
