Styling · Seen through every wheel
Brake calipers sit right behind the spokes of an alloy wheel, so on most cars they are the rusty brown lump you see every time you look at the wheels. Painting them is a small job with a big effect: a clean red, yellow, blue or black caliper makes the wheels look finished and the car look looked after. Nick takes the wheels off, cleans each caliper of brake dust, grease and loose rust scale, masks the discs, pads, hoses and sensors so nothing but the caliper body is painted, and applies a heat-resistant caliper paint in several thin coats. The paint is made to take the heat the brakes produce, so it does not blister or fade the way ordinary spray paint would. It is cosmetic only: it does not change how the brakes work, and a caliper that is seized, leaking or worn needs a garage first. Send a photo of the wheels and the colour you want for a price.
Packages
Add-on
For rusty or dull calipers you can see through the wheels.
Please enquire: price after a look at the car
Done in the studio
All prices are from prices by vehicle size, confirmed once Nick has seen the car: every car is different. Mobile work: the first 10 miles are free, then 30p a mile.
The car goes on stands and the wheels come off, so every visible face of the caliper can be reached and nothing is painted through the spokes.
Brake dust, grease and loose rust scale are removed and the caliper is degreased with brake cleaner. Paint only lasts on a clean surface, so this is most of the job.
The discs, pads, brake hoses, bleed nipples and wear sensors are covered, so the paint goes on the caliper body and nowhere that matters for braking.
Heat-resistant caliper paint goes on in several thin coats, which gives a harder and more even finish than one thick coat.
The paint is left to cure, then the wheels go back on and are tightened correctly.
Red is the classic choice and works on almost any car colour, especially white, black, grey and silver. Yellow and blue suit sportier cars, and black gives a quiet, clean look that hides brake dust between washes. Matching the calipers to a detail on the car, such as a stripe, a badge or the interior stitching, is what makes it look intentional rather than bolted on.
Caliper covers are plastic shells clipped over the caliper. They are quick, but they can trap heat, rattle or come loose, and they sit further out, so they can foul the back of some wheels. Painting the caliper itself adds nothing to the brake, so there is nothing to work loose.
Reviews
“I've been using Nick Auto Detailing's services for years, and I couldn't be happier. So far, I've had more than 20 cars detailed by them, including both my own vehicles and cars belonging to my clients.…”
“I recently had my car detailed and I couldn't be happier with the results. Nick did an amazing job…”
“Excellent service and outstanding attention to detail! My car looks brand new after being serviced by Nick Auto Detailing.…”
“Highly recommended, brilliant job on my car today! Full valet inside and out.. looks brand new again. A big thank you!”
“Absolutely amazing service and value for money.”
“High-quality products, fast work, and a very professional attitude.”
“Very fast and very good quality of wrapping and car detailing.”
Questions
It depends on the car, how much rust and brake dust there is to clean off, and whether it is two calipers or four, so it is priced on a quote. Send a photo of the wheels and the colour you want.
No. Only the caliper body is painted. The discs, pads, hoses and sensors are masked, and the paint is made for the heat the brakes produce. A caliper that is seized or leaking needs a garage before it is painted.
On a caliper that was properly cleaned first, a heat-resistant caliper paint lasts for years. Harsh acid wheel cleaners are the main thing that shortens its life.
Yes. The front calipers are the most visible and some owners start there, but doing all four looks right from every angle.
Next step
Tell Nick the car and what is bothering you. A couple of photos on WhatsApp is the quickest way to an honest price, or use the quote form. You pay on the day, when the work is done.
