Why Are My Brake Discs Getting Hot?

When your car’s brake discs get too hot, it can be a sign of an underlying issue. In this article, we’ll discuss why your brake discs are getting hot, the signs that indicate the issue and how to prevent it from happening.

Causes of Hot Brake Discs

There are several causes of hot brake discs. These include:

• Worn brake pads or shoes: Over time, brake pads and shoes can wear down and become less effective at stopping the car. This can cause heat to build up in the brakes faster than normal.

• Sticky caliper pistons: If the caliper pistons are stuck, they may not release all of the pressure on the brakes when you take your foot off the pedal. This can cause extra heat to build up in the brakes over time.

• Incorrectly adjusted handbrake: If your handbrake is set too high, it could cause too much pressure on the brakes when parked which would lead to extra heat building up in them over time.

• Brake fluid leaking or boiling off: Leaking or boiling off of brake fluid will reduce its effectiveness as a lubricant between different parts of the braking system. This can cause extra heat to build up in the brakes which can be dangerous.

Symptoms of Hot Brake Discs

If your brake discs are getting too hot, there are several signs that you may notice. These include:

• A loud squealing or grinding noise coming from the brakes when you apply them.
• Smoke coming from the wheels when braking hard or for an extended period of time.
• Your brakes feeling spongy or unresponsive when applying them.
• The steering wheel vibrating when braking hard or for an extended period of time.

Preventing Hot Brake Discs

In order to prevent your brake discs from getting too hot, it is important to maintain your car’s brakes regularly and check them for any issues that could cause overheating. This includes checking the brake pads and shoes for wear, as well as ensuring that all parts of the braking system are correctly adjusted and lubricated with fresh brake fluid. Additionally, you should ensure that your driving habits do not put too much stress on your brakes such as accelerating heavily or braking suddenly and hard from high speeds; these behaviors can also lead to hotter brake discs over time.

Conclusion

Hot brake discs are an indication of an underlying issue in the braking system that needs to be addressed. In order to prevent your brake discs from becoming too hot, it is important to maintain them regularly and keep an eye out for any signs that they may be getting too hot. Once you have identified any issues with your brakes, it is essential to get them repaired as soon as possible in order to avoid further damage.