can you put wd40 on car breaks

[Emerson]

No, you should never apply WD-40 to your car's brake components. WD-40 is a lubricant and penetrating oil, not a brake cleaner. Using it on brakes can contaminate the brake pads and rotors, creating a dangerously slick surface that drastically reduces friction. This contamination leads to a significant loss of braking power, making it unsafe to drive and requiring immediate and costly repairs to replace the affected parts.

The primary function of your braking system is to create friction to slow and stop the vehicle. Brake pads clamp onto the rotors, and this friction generates the stopping force. Introducing any lubricant, including WD-40, directly opposes this fundamental principle. The oil soaks into the porous material of the brake pads and creates a film on the rotors, preventing proper contact. Symptoms of contaminated brakes include a spongy brake pedal, increased stopping distances, and in severe cases, complete brake failure.

If you are dealing with brake squeal, the correct approach is to use a product specifically designed for brakes, like brake cleaner spray. These cleaners are formulated to dissolve grease and grime without leaving any oily residue. They evaporate quickly, leaving the braking surfaces clean and ready for optimal performance.

The table below compares the properties and effects of WD-40 versus a proper brake cleaner.

Characteristic	WD-40	Brake Cleaner
Primary Function	Lubricates, penetrates rust, displaces water	Dissolves oil, grease, and brake dust without residue
Effect on Brake Friction	Drastically reduces braking efficiency	Preserves braking efficiency
Post-Application Residue	Leaves an oily film	Evaporates completely, leaving a dry surface
Recommended Use on Brakes	Never	Yes, for cleaning calipers, pads, and rotors
Typical Cost of Repair if Used	$300 - $800 (pad/rotor replacement)	$10 - $20 (cost of the cleaner itself)

If you have accidentally sprayed WD-40 on your brakes, do not drive the car. The contaminated parts—pads and often the rotors—will almost certainly need to be replaced by a professional mechanic to restore safe braking performance.

[MaverickMarie]

As a mechanic, I see this way too often. Please, do not put WD-40 on your brakes. It's like putting oil on your kitchen floor before walking on it—you're asking for a crash. It soaks into the pads and makes the rotors slippery. Your foot will go to the floor, and the car won't stop. It's not a quick fix; it's a sure way to end up with a big repair bill and a dangerous situation. Use brake cleaner only.

[JaceAnn]

I learned this lesson the hard way after trying to quiet a squeaky brake. The squeak went away, but so did my braking power. It was terrifying. WD-40 might seem like a solution for noise, but it completely compromises safety. The brakes felt mushy and unresponsive. I had to get the car towed and pay for new pads and rotors. It's a mistake you only make once. Always use the right tool for the job.