How to Fit Brake Caliper Covers (Plus, are they safe/effective?)

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: January 19, 2023 References

Brake caliper covers are an easy way to improve the appearance of your calipers without the need to replace or paint them. Make sure to purchase caliper covers for your exact model of vehicle or they won’t fit properly. We’ve put together answers to some of the most common questions people have about brake caliper covers to help you out with the installation process and more.

Question 1 of 5:

How do you install a caliper cover?

1
Remove the wheel to start. Park your car on a flat surface and jack it up. Take the lug nuts off the wheel with a lug wrench and pull the wheel off to access the caliper.^{[1]
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- Make sure to always engage the emergency brake in your vehicle before you jack it up.
2
Clip the caliper cover onto the caliper with the provided hardware. Slide 1 of the provided clips onto the top caliper bracket. Put the caliper cover over the caliper, so the cover’s bolt fits into the notch of the clip, then tighten the nut by hand. Slip another of the provided clips over the bottom caliper bracket, notching the slot over the bottom bolt on the caliper cover, and tighten the nut by hand. Use a torque wrench to tighten both nuts to 18-20 inch pounds.^{[2]
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- The caliper covers and clips in your caliper cover kit should be labeled for your front and rear calipers as well as for the right and left side.
- Note that the style of clips can vary for different models of caliper covers, but the installation process is very similar. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for any specific directions.
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3
Spin the brake rotor to make sure it doesn’t touch the caliper cover. Grab the rotor and spin it around by hand. Double-check that it doesn’t make any contact with the caliper cover clips or any other part of the caliper cover. Once you’re sure there is plenty of clearance, you can go ahead and put the wheel back on.^{[3]
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- Repeat the process for each caliper. It’s the same for every wheel.

Question 2 of 5:

Are brake caliper covers safe?

They are safe as long as they are the right size for your car. Purchase caliper covers that fit your specific car model to ensure they don’t interfere with the wheels. That way, they stay on your calipers nice and securely and don’t cause any safety issues.^{[4]
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- For example, if you have a 2002 Honda Accord, LX, 2.3L 4 Cyl, buy caliper covers made for that exact make, model, and year of car. Don’t buy covers for an Accord from a different year or from the same year but with a different number of cylinders in the engine.
- Caliper cover manufacturer websites allow you to search for the correct covers using all your car’s specifications.
- Make sure any caliper covers you purchase have a manufacturer’s guarantee to avoid knockoffs.
- It’s best to buy directly from reputable manufacturer’s websites or from verified sellers online, rather than from unknown third-party sellers.

Question 3 of 5:

Do caliper covers do anything?

1
They help keep your brakes and wheels clean. One benefit of brake caliper covers is that they protect your calipers from dust. They can also reduce the amount of brake dust that comes off your brake pads and gets on your wheels.^{[5]
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- Keep in mind that brake dust reduction can vary depending on your brake pads, but some people report that they notice less brake dust.
2
They let you upgrade the appearance of your car. Regular brake calipers are pretty unattractive, but caliper covers give you lots of customization options to boost the appearance of your brakes. You can buy them in different colors and patterns and even get them engraved.^{[6]
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- For example, a set of red caliper covers adds a nice pop of bright color to your wheels. When paired with some aftermarket rims, they can give your car a really customized look.

Question 4 of 5:

Do caliper covers cause overheating?

No, they are designed to dissipate heat from your brakes. The covers are made to divert heat up and away from your calipers. They can even reduce the overall heat buildup in your brake system and improve performance.^{[7]
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- Keep in mind that this does not apply to knockoff caliper covers.

Question 5 of 5:

How much does it cost to install caliper covers?

The covers themselves cost about $200-$300 USD. The exact price varies on your specific model of vehicle, but most caliper cover kits fall within this price range. If you don’t want to install them yourself, call a local automotive technician and ask how much they would charge you for the labor.
- For example, a set of quality caliper covers for a 2002 Honda Accord, LX, 2.3L 4 Cyl costs $240-$270 USD.
- Getting the caliper covers installed by a mechanic might cost somewhere in the range of $100-$200 USD.