How does the design of a sliding caliper affect its ability to handle heat compared to a multi-piston fixed caliper?

The design of a sliding caliper generally makes it less effective at handling heat compared to a multi-piston fixed caliper. A sliding caliper, also known as a floating caliper, typically uses a single piston on one side of the rotor. When the brakes are applied, this piston pushes the brake pad against the rotor, and the caliper body slides on pins or bushings to bring the other brake pad into contact with the opposite side of the rotor. This sliding action can create uneven pressure distribution and less efficient heat dissipation. Multi-piston fixed calipers, on the other hand, have multiple pistons on both sides of the rotor. These pistons apply even pressure across the entire brake pad surface, resulting in more consistent and effective braking. The fixed design of these calipers, where the caliper body doesn't slide, often incorporates larger brake pads and rotors, and better ventilation, which all contribute to improved heat management. The increased surface area and even pressure distribution of multi-piston fixed calipers allow them to dissipate heat more efficiently, reducing the risk of brake fade, which is a loss of braking effectiveness due to overheating. Sliding calipers are more prone to overheating under heavy braking conditions due to the uneven pressure and smaller size, making them less suitable for high-performance applications.