Can brake pads be dipped in water when hot?
2 Answers
Brake pads should not be dipped in water when hot. Passenger vehicle brakes are designed with heat dissipation in mind, and although limited by layout space, they are sufficient for daily use. In normal urban driving conditions where braking is infrequent, the temperature of brake discs and friction pads remains around 100 degrees Celsius. After multiple consecutive brakings on mountain roads, the temperature of brake discs and friction pads can reach 300 degrees Celsius, which does not affect performance but may slightly reduce durability. Brake pads consist of a steel plate, an adhesive heat insulation layer, and a friction block. The steel plate is coated to prevent rust, and the coating process is monitored using an SMT4 oven temperature tracker to ensure quality by detecting temperature distribution during coating. The heat insulation layer is made of non-conductive materials to provide thermal insulation.
I made this mistake when I was young. After driving down a mountain road, I felt the brake pads were smoking hot, so I stopped and splashed them with cold water. As a result, the brake discs warped, and the car squealed when driving, nearly causing an accident. Never do this! When brake pads are hot, the material becomes brittle, and sudden cooling causes uneven thermal expansion and contraction, leading directly to cracks or warping, which can cause brake failure. After a long downhill on a mountain road, it's best to find a safe place to park and let them cool naturally for half an hour. Also, regularly check the thickness of the brake pads during maintenance. If they're worn too thin, replace them promptly to avoid being caught off guard on the road. Remember, even iron needs to be handled with care—take it slow.
