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1 June 2023 Overheating brakes: Causes, symptoms, and solutions for brake disc overheating
One of the most common brake defects is car brake overheating. In case of overheating, the brake disc temperature reaches critical values, causing the brake pad to slip on the disc and reducing the efficiency of the brake system to a minimum.
Even the most advanced braking systems will struggle to perform without properly functioning brake discs and car brake parts putting you and your passengers at risk. But how do brake discs overheat and what are the signs? Here we’ll take a look at these essential components.
Overheated brakes symptoms
These are the most common symptoms of overheated brakes:
- A burning smell
- Brake fade
- Reduced stopping power
- Smoke is emitted
- Squealing noises
- A soft brake pedal
When trying to determine the cause of brake overheating, it's important to consider several factors to ensure the safety of your vehicle. The problem is often linked to driving habits such as frequent hard braking or downhill driving, both of which can generate excessive heat. Worn brake pads and discs are another common cause, as they struggle to dissipate heat effectively. Understanding these potential causes can help correct the issue before it becomes a serious problem.
What to do when brakes overheat
The first step is to stop as soon as possible in a safe place to allow the brakes to cool. Continuing to drive with overheated brakes can lead to brake failure, so don't use them until they have cooled sufficiently.
You can speed up the cooling process by switching off the engine and letting the car sit, or if you're on a downhill slope, using a lower gear to let the engine do the braking. Avoiding over-braking on steep downhill gradients can also help keep your braking system in top condition.
How to fix overheated brakes
When dealing with overheated brakes, it's important to take the following steps:
- Allow the brakes to cool: Pull over to a safe place and allow the brakes to cool before riding again.
- Check for damage: Inspect the brakes for any signs of damage, such as warping or discolouration, which may indicate the need for repair.
- Replace the brake pads if necessary: If the brake pads are worn or damaged, replace them to restore proper braking operation.
- Flush the brake fluid: Overheating can cause brake fluid to deteriorate, so consider flushing and replacing the fluid to maintain optimum performance.
Brake disc overheating
If the front and rear brake discs get very hot several problems can occur. Excessive heat can cause warping, reducing braking efficiency, and making it more difficult to stop the vehicle effectively. This often results in vibrations felt through the steering wheel or brake pedal, creating an uncomfortable and potentially unsafe driving experience.
BREMBO Brake disc
295x28mm, 5, perforated/vented, Coated, High-carbon
Article number: 09.B436.51
£ 42,50
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
BREMBO Brake disc
355x32mm, 5, perforated/vented, two-part brake disc, Coated, High-carbon
Article number: 09.A804.33
£ 262,64
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
BREMBO Brake disc
390x36mm, 5, internally vented, slotted/perforated, two-part brake disc, Coated, High-carbon
Article number: 09.9313.33
£ 309,89
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
Article number: 08.C659.11
£ 22,25
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
BREMBO Brake disc
360x36mm, 5, perforated/vented, Coated, High-carbon
Article number: 09.A819.11
£ 78,54
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
The intense heat can produce a noticeable burning smell, signalling that the brake disc is overheating. Prolonged exposure to such high temperatures can also damage other brake components compromising the overall safety of the braking system.
But here's the good news: Regular checks, timely replacement of parts, and smart driving habits will keep your braking system running smoothly and safely, giving you peace of mind and a more enjoyable driving experience.
How to detect the brake disc overheating
Brake disc overheating can be detected by a detailed inspection of the component. Steel, the most commonly used material in the manufacture of brake discs, exhibits noticeable colour changes when exposed to high temperatures. When the steel reaches a critical temperature, it will turn bright orange. After cooling, it may retain a purple hue, indicating that it has been exposed to excessive heat.
If a visual inspection reveals a colour change in the brake disc, it is essential to contact a workshop immediately for a full diagnosis. If a fault is found, it is essential to replace the brake discs and pads. While this procedure can be carried out independently, our detailed video guides are available to help you through each step of the process.
The causes of the brake disc overheating
The primary cause of brake disc overheating is friction. Although the car braking system relies on friction to function, aggressive driving significantly amplifies this effect. As a result, the temperature of the brake discs can rise to 600-700 °C. Additionally, overheating can also be triggered by the following factors:
- Brake mechanism failure
- Incorrect brake pad installation
- Use of brake discs and pads beyond their service life
- Brake disc deformation
- Low-quality brake discs and pads
- Jamming of the brake caliper guide pins
Please keep in mind that when drum brakes are installed on the rear axle, the majority of the braking load is transferred to the front disc brakes, which can contribute to overheating.
How to prevent overheating of the brake discs
To prevent damage to brake discs and ensure the most efficient braking process, the following steps are recommended:
- Replace the car brake pads and discs promptly when necessary.
- Use quality components for all replacements.
- Use certified workshop mechanics for repairs if you lack the necessary experience.
- Replace brake discs in pairs per axle set to maintain load balance.
- Use engine braking on long downhill journeys.
- Check brake disc thickness regularly to ensure optimum performance.
Please note that the recommended lifespan for front brake discs is 30,000-40,000 km, while rear brake discs typically last 40,000-50,000 km. These figures can vary based on driving style, with aggressive driving, characterised by frequent sharp acceleration and braking, significantly reducing the lifespan.
BREMBO Brake disc
355x32mm, 5, perforated/vented, two-part brake disc, Coated, High-carbon
Article number: 09.B781.13
£ 275,49
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
-49%
Article number: 100.3375.70
compared to
RRP
£ 632,33
£ 317,98
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
BREMBO Brake disc
295x28mm, 5, perforated/vented, Coated, High-carbon
Article number: 09.A613.51
£ 45,76
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
BREMBO Brake disc
288x25mm, 5, internally vented, Coated
Article number: 09.9145.11
£ 35,11
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-50%
ZIMMERMANN Brake disc
370x32mm, 6/5, 5x112, Vented, Perforated, two-part brake disc, Coated, Alloyed/High-carbon
Article number: 100.3367.70
compared to
RRP
£ 475,07
£ 235,41
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
How to choose brake discs
It is important to remember that a malfunction in the vehicle's brake system poses a serious risk to your safety and the safety of others. Therefore, making informed and responsible decisions when selecting braking components is crucial.
When choosing brake discs, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and technical specifications for your vehicle. Always ensure that you purchase components specifically designed for your vehicle. These should be made from materials with the following characteristics:
- High strength and heat transfer capability
- Low adhesion capacity
- High coefficient of friction
Note: You should always prioritise reliable car parts with guaranteed quality.
A useful video on this topic:
Brake discs overheating: why it happens and how to fix it
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