Component supplier Blue Print is urging garages to play close attention when selecting replacement brake discs and not to be tempted by ‘Lightweight’ inferior quality products which can compromise vehicle safety.

Blue Print says that its quality brake discs offer optimum performance ensure a long service life and avoid excessive wear between service intervals. However, it points out that many inferior quality discs are being promoted in the aftermarket, sometimes as ‘Lightweight’ discs which are said to improve fuel economy. Of course any fuel saving is extremely negligible and what is really happening is that these manufacturers are cutting their production and distribution costs by reducing the quantity and quality of materials used during manufacture. Reduced weight can affect the discs ability to dissipate heat, which can have a detrimental effect on the efficiency of the braking system.  This can also lead to problems such as brake judder.

A major cause of brake judder is Disc Thickness Variation (DTV), which is commonly misdiagnosed as ‘warped’ discs. This occurs when the brake disc becomes worn in a single area of the discs surface and is often caused by excessive run-out.

Blue Print supplies an extensive range of over 10,000 Braking components, including discs, pads, sensors and other items. The company says all parts are manufactured to OE matching in accordance with ECE-R90 regulations and come with a ‘Three year unlimited mileage warranty’.

Precision casting and finish provides consistent quality and stable braking performance to ensure long service life on braking components. Blue Print also has strong coverage of Asian, American and British vehicles, with fitting kits available within the range for parts such as brake shoes.

Blue Print’s also offer a range of brake calipers which features 729 applications suitable for Asian, American and British vehicles. These are made from high-quality materials and with high manufacturing tolerances to guarantee optimum performance and long service life, Blue Print also supplies over 300 components for wheel cylinders in range.

Details of the full Blue Print braking range can be found on the Blue Print LIVE! online catalogue at  www.blue-print.com/blueprintlive.