Just like in any other car parts such as the engine, radiator, and pistons, your car brakes can also overheat. While any brakes can overheat if used for a prolonged period, always beware that overheating may lead to partial or complete loss of braking power, which may put your life at significant risk.
How Brakes Overheat
Brakes often heat mainly due to the friction generated when you apply pressure to the brake pads. Though this friction remains essential for the car to slow down or even stop entirely, remember where there exists friction, there is heat too. However, depending on the friction between the brake pads rotors, the breaks may overheat, causing a braking problem.
Main Signs Of Overheating Brakes
Here are the signs you must watch out for to know when your brakes overheat:
· Brake Fade
You can detect brake fade when your pedals start to feel soft. Brake fade occurs when water collects within the car's brake fluid reservoir. Often, the water boils and steams due to the brake fluid's heat, hampering your vehicle's brakes' efficiency. As a result, you will feel a soft or a spongy feel when you press down the brakes.
· Smoking Brakes
Another sign of overheating brakes is the occasional smoke that comes from your wheel the moment you press down the brake paddle. The brake pads burn due to overheating, and a smell may also accompany the smoke emanating from the wheel. When you see this sign, then it is an indicator that your car brakes require agent attention.
· Squealing Sound
A brake system with worn-out brake pads often generates a sound when you apply brakes. Excessive friction generated during aggressive driving or malfunction brake pads may lead to a situation where the pads become gazed. As a result, the metal grinds on another metal emitting squealing sounds.
Ways To Avoid Overheating Brakes
Now that friction remains the primary cause of overheating brakes; you can avoid overheating by doing the following:
- Always drive cautiously
- Try engine braking sometimes
- Get quality brake parts
On The Bottom Line
Always replace brake parts in pairs from a trusted mechanic or reputable service station. If you need brake system repair, give our auto repair shop a call today!