RE: "clean wheels" covers

["Fadeev, Alex" <Alex.Fadeev@xxxxxxx>]

> My dealership is trying to sucker me into getting those brake 
> covers for the brake dust.  My friend who is a master wrench 
> at bmw said that they increase the heat of the brakes thereby
> increasing squealing and wear of the pads themselves. I can see
> how that can happen by not allowing sufficient air flow or 
> restriction thereof.  My question is thus;  can this decrease
> stopping ability as well? If anybody has any experience with 
> these covers, let me know.  Also, they want $300 for them!

Scott,
You certainly got the dealership's intent right! Even if you really want the
shields, www.bavauto.com was selling these things for around $50. I think
they call them "clean wheels" or something along those lines. I would
imagine that the $300 dealership price includes labor with a lot of beer
brakes.
I would not vouch for increased squealing and brake pad wear, but decreased
air flow == decreased cooling, will certainly cause your brakes to fade much
sooner then they would without the brake shields. 
Now, you may never get to this point during daily driving. But if you ever
go to a driving school or even a long autocross course, you will find out
what brake fade is and it is not fun. 
Long story short, stay away from this contraption. There is nothing wrong
with having brake dust on your wheels. If it bothers you, wash it off. 

alex f

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