September 19, 2018 | Asher Stefani
We all see other vehicles while we are driving and typically look at things that stand out like wheels, especially when there is some distinct color behind them. If you have not noticed it before, you are probably thinking “How do I add some color behind my wheels like that” or you may even have the chance to ask the person in the car, “What is the best way to add color behind your wheels?”
There are a handful of was to add some color behind your wheels, but they are definitely not all created equally when it comes to cost, longevity and practicality. Customizing your vehicle is a great way to make it yours, while at the same time allowing it to stand out from the rest and have others on the road asking questions like the ones above about your ride.
Below are the options for adding some color behind your wheels and they are ordered in from the worst solution to the best for last at the end.
THE BEST WAY TO ADD COLOR BEHIND YOUR WHEELS
PAINT YOUR BRAKE CALIPERS YOURSELF
Painting your caliper properly is not an easy task, especially if you have never done it before or plan on using your vehicle over the weekend because it is a full 2 day job to do it right. The problem is, even if you do it “right” there is still a good chance you will have to do it again a couple times per year. If you do a stellar job, maybe it will last for a year or so, but in the end it will have to be redone over and over again. Once the paint starts fading and chipping, it really looks awful and rather than having some color behind your wheels, it looks like cheap job that you wish you can just cover up.
If you are unsure of the process and how painful it can be, reference a blog I wrote last year regarding caliper paint vs. MGP Caliper Covers.
PAINT YOUR ROTORS YOURSELF
Another do it yourself option is to paint your rotors, which is essentially the same process and pain as painting your calipers yourself…..and they really just don’t look good.
You will be out of a vehicle for a couple days and run into the same problems. If you are lucky, the paint will last for a year or so, but more than likely it will need to be repainted a couple times per year and will look cheap and choppy over time.
PAY A PROFESSIONAL TO PAINT YOUR CALIPERS OR ROTORS
This option ensures that your paint will last at least a year or two, but is a painstaking process and will also leave you without a vehicle for a couple days at least. If there is a local spot that will do this for you they will need to remove your calipers, paint them, let them dry, then put them back on. At least a couple days and typically will cost thousands of dollars. If there is not a local spot, you will need to remove them yourself, ship them out and then wait. Even more time and cost…..
PURCHASING BREMBO OR WILWOOD BRAKE CALIPERS
This does not guarantee that you will have some color behind your wheels, as a lot of the upgraded brakes come with a standard grey/charcoal color and need to be professionally painted as well. However, some come in red so that is an option for you and only costs around $2,500 to $4,000 plus another $1,200+ to have them installed….
Unless you actually need high performance brakes because you race on the side, this is not a practical option and will cost more than any other option available.
MGP CALIPER COVERS
MGP Caliper Covers are by far the best option on the board while also being the most cost-effective and allowing for personalization and customization far beyond all the other options available. You can have your caliper covers done in any color, whether it is one of the standard or optional powder coats, one of the premium tri-coats or matched to your vehicle by using your VIN.
You can also have nearly any logo or artwork engraved on your caliper covers. MGP is licensed with Ford, GM, Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, Honda and Acura so you can have any licensed engraving to match your ride or you can upload a logo of your choosing. What a lot of people do not know is that the engraving you choose is filled in by hand with your choice of color.
Not only do you get tons of options to add color behind your wheels with MGP Caliper Covers, but they also are easy to install and take about an hour total. The hardest part is taking your wheels off and putting them back on. They are made from aerospace grade aluminum which helps dissipate brake heat rather than trapping it in. Caliper covers also significantly reduce brake dust to keep your wheels cleaner for a longer period of time. If you really want to add some color behind your wheels,
MGP Caliper Covers are clearly the best option and will run anywhere between $200 to $500 depending on how much you personalize them.
