Have you ever noticed how a minor upgrade can completely refresh your car’s look? Changing your caliper covers gives your vehicle a sharp new finish and adds a layer of protection.. Over time, brake calipers accumulate dust, grime, and heat, which dulls their appearance.
Installing a new set of custom caliper covers is one of the fastest ways to restore the clean, sporty appeal.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through removing old caliper covers for your car, installing new ones, and doing it with confidence.
Why Should You Upgrade or Swap Your Caliper Covers?
Caliper covers do more than just make your wheels stand out. They protect your brake components and bring a stylish, performance-inspired look to your car.
Here are a few key reasons:
- Protects calipers from dirt, dust, and road debris.
- Instantly enhances your car’s appearance, especially if your old covers are faded or scratched.
- Offers a custom fit for every make and model, ensuring a snug, durable finish.
To dive deeper into how caliper covers improve your car’s performance and look, check out our detailed guide on the top benefits of caliper covers.
Safety and Preparation Before Installation
Before you begin installing your caliper cover, take time to prepare. Work on a flat, well-lit surface, secure your car with the parking brake, and always use jack stands for safety.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Lug wrench
- Socket wrench or 3/8-inch wrench
- Torque wrench
- Feeler gauge or paper strip (about 0.013 inches thick)
- Cleaning rags and brake cleaner
If you’re new to car maintenance, it’s perfectly fine to let a professional handle the process. Visit our website to find a caliper cover installer and connect with certified professionals in your area.
Step 1: Removing Old Caliper Covers
If your car already has caliper covers, removing them is simple, but doing it carefully helps protect your brake system and ensures a smoother reinstallation.
1. Lift and Secure the Vehicle
Use a hydraulic jack to lift the car and place it on jack stands. Confirm the vehicle is stable before continuing.
2. Remove the Wheel
Take off the wheel to access the caliper directly. This gives you more space to work and reduces the risk of scratches.
3. Locate and Examine the Fasteners
Check how your current covers are attached. Most use clips, bolts, or nuts. Understanding the setup first makes removal easier.
4. Remove the Covers
Loosen the bolts or clips using a wrench. If your covers are clip-on, slide them off gently without forcing them.
5. Clean the Caliper Surface
Wipe away brake dust and grime with a lint-free cloth and brake cleaner so the new covers fit flush.
6. Inspect for Damage or Corrosion
Look for rust, cracks, or uneven brake pad wear. Fixing issues now prevents problems later.
Step 2: Installing New Caliper Covers
Now comes the fun part of installing caliper covers for a refreshed look.
1. Test-Fit the Covers
Place each cover over the caliper and confirm proper alignment. This check ensures your brackets line up before tightening.
2. Attach the Clips and Lock Nuts
Secure the provided clips and nuts. Tighten them evenly with a torque wrench to around 25 inch-pounds to avoid overtightening.
3. Align the Covers
Make sure the brackets rest evenly and the covers are centered. Proper alignment prevents vibration or wheel contact.
4. Check the Clearance
There should be about one-eighth of an inch of space between the wheel and cover. Use a folded paper or feeler gauge to confirm.
5. Tighten Everything
Once satisfied, tighten all bolts and clips to the recommended torque. Double-check both sides for evenness.
6. Reinstall the Wheel
Put the wheel back on, tighten the lug nuts by hand, lower the car, and torque them to your vehicle’s specifications.
If you prefer learning visually, check out our installation videos for a real-time walkthrough of every step across different car models.
Best Practices for Removing and Maintaining Caliper Covers
To get the most from your upgrade, follow these best practices for removing vehicle caliper covers and maintaining them properly:
- Handle with care. When removing caliper covers, take your time to prevent bending the clips or scratching the brake assembly. Using the right-sized tools helps maintain the integrity of both the caliper and the cover.
- Clean before reinstalling. Always clean your calipers thoroughly before installing new covers. Dirt or debris can cause misalignment and reduce the life of your new covers.
- Avoid overtightening. Tightening beyond the recommended torque may damage the brackets or reduce clearance between the wheel and the cover.
- Recheck regularly. During tire rotations or seasonal changes, inspect the clips and alignment to ensure everything remains secure.
- Choose professional help when needed. For a precise installation, consider visiting a shop specializing in brake caliper cover installation. To explore different styles and get inspiration, browse our Caliper Cover Gallery for custom designs made to fit your vehicle perfectly.
By following these simple maintenance habits, you’ll extend the lifespan of your caliper covers and keep your car looking like it just rolled off the showroom floor.
How Much Does Caliper Cover Installation Cost?
The overall cost of installing the caliper cover depends on whether you prefer a do-it-yourself approach or professional assistance. If you’re confident with basic tools, expect to spend 40 to 60 minutes installing a complete set yourself, saving on labor fees. Most drivers can handle the process with simple equipment, such as a jack, a wrench, and a torque tool.
If you’d rather have a technician do the job, the cost typically ranges from $60 to $150 USD or $75 to $200 CAD, depending on your region, vehicle type, and service provider. Prices can vary slightly across locations, so it’s always worth checking with your local automotive or detailing shop.
Looking for the best value and quality? Request an instant quote for caliper cover installation to compare costs, explore options, and see how professionals deliver a flawless fit and finish.
Conclusion
Upgrading your caliper covers is one of the simplest ways to enhance your car’s appearance while protecting your brake components from dirt, dust, and corrosion. With proper installation and regular care, your caliper covers will maintain a clean, performance-inspired look for years to come.
Have questions or need some guidance? Contact our team for personalized advice and professional installation support.
FAQs
1. Do caliper covers replace the calipers?
No. Caliper covers fit over your existing calipers to enhance appearance and protect against dust and debris. They don’t replace or alter your brake system.
2. How to remove caliper covers step by step?
Lift the car, remove the wheel, loosen the bolts or clips, and gently slide the cover off. Always clean the caliper before reinstalling new ones.
3. How to install a caliper cover without removing the wheel?
It’s technically possible on some vehicles, but we don’t recommend it. Removing the wheel gives you proper access and ensures correct alignment.
4. Do caliper covers cause overheating?
No, properly designed and correctly installed caliper covers do not cause overheating. They are engineered to allow sufficient airflow around the brakes and to dissipate heat effectively.
For more details, visit our FAQs page, where we answer the most common installation and maintenance questions.
