Can You Still Drive When the Brake Pads Are Smoking?

2 Answers
DelBriella
07/24/25 5:50pm
It is not recommended to continue driving when the brake pads are smoking. You should immediately pull over and seek assistance. Here is some additional information: 1. Two scenarios of smoking: (1) The first is when the brake pads do not reset, causing friction and resulting in smoke. (2) The second is prolonged braking on a long slope or under heavy load, leading to smoking brake pads. 2. Solutions: In both cases, you should stop promptly and park on a flat, level road, allowing the brake wheels to cool down gradually. Never pour cold water on them. 3. Working principle: The braking system primarily relies on friction, using the friction between the brake pads and the brake disc (or drum) as well as between the tires and the ground to convert the vehicle's kinetic energy into heat energy through friction, thereby bringing the car to a stop.
Was this review help?
7
3
Share
MacRobert
08/11/25 9:54am
You must not continue driving if the brake pads are smoking. I've seen this situation many times, usually caused by overheating of the braking system, such as frequent braking during prolonged downhill driving on mountain roads, or when the brake caliper is stuck, leading to increased friction. Smoke indicates excessively high temperatures, and the brake pads or related components may be getting damaged. If you insist on driving, the worst-case scenario is complete brake failure, making it impossible to stop the vehicle, and it could even cause a fire. The smoke can also obstruct your driving visibility. I strongly recommend pulling over immediately, turning off the engine, and letting the car cool down before inspecting it. After about 30 minutes, if there's no more smoke, you can try driving gently, but it's best to have the car towed to a repair shop to check the brake pads, discs, and hydraulic system. Regular maintenance, including checking brake fluid levels and wear, can help prevent such issues. Safety comes first—smoke is a warning sign; don't take the risk of driving.
Was this review help?
5
4
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

Where is the battery located in a Mercedes GLK?

The battery of a Mercedes GLK is located on the right side of the engine compartment, which can be found by opening the hood. Below are some maintenance tips for car batteries: 1. Avoid leaving the vehicle parked for extended periods: The car battery will discharge on its own if left unused for a long time. It is recommended to drive the car at least once a week for a minimum of 20 minutes to allow the battery to recharge while driving. 2. Close windows before turning off the engine: The power windows and sunroof are powered by the battery. Therefore, it is best to close all windows before turning off the engine, rather than after, or using the long-press lock button method to close them after exiting the vehicle. 3. Keep the battery clean and tidy: Regular inspection is an effective way to extend the lifespan of your car battery. Use a professional battery terminal brush or an old toothbrush to clean dust and corrosion from the positive and negative terminals. Apply a layer of Vaseline or grease to the contact surfaces to form a protective film.
8
5
Share

Are there any drawbacks to enabling hidden features on a BMW X3?

Enabling hidden features on a BMW has no drawbacks or negative consequences, as it simply activates functions that are already present but officially hidden by the manufacturer. Therefore, owners can rest assured. Enabling these hidden features will not harm the vehicle; on the contrary, it can enhance the driving experience and overall feel. Below is some relevant information about the BMW X3: 1. Body dimensions: The BMW X3 measures 4717mm in length, 1891mm in width, and 1689mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2864mm. 2. Powertrain: It is equipped with a 2.0TL4 engine featuring turbocharged intake, delivering a maximum horsepower of 184ps and a maximum torque of 290nm. The transmission is an 8-speed automatic with manual mode, and the top speed is 210 km/h. 3. Configuration: The BMW X3 features front-engine four-wheel drive, with a front suspension type of double-joint spring strut and a rear suspension type of multi-link independent suspension. The steering assistance is electric, and the body structure is a unibody design.
19
5
Share

How long does it take to replace a lost driver's license in another city?

If you lose your driver's license in another city, it can be replaced, and the process usually takes one day. According to Article 63 of the 'Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses,' if a motor vehicle driver's license is lost, the driver should apply for a replacement at the vehicle management office where the license was originally issued or at a vehicle management office outside the issuing jurisdiction. Here are the details: 1. Replacement: Starting now, citizens who need to replace their old driver's license with a new version should bring two copies of their ID card, two 1-inch color passport photos, the original ID card, the original driver's license, and a medical examination certificate from a county-level or above hospital (free medical examinations are also available at the vehicle management office) to the vehicle management office. After filling out the 'Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form,' the replacement can be processed free of charge. 2. Reissuance: Citizens who need to reissue a lost driver's license should also bring the above-mentioned documents to the vehicle management office and fill out the 'Motor Vehicle Driver's License Application Form' and the 'Motor Vehicle Driver's License Reissuance Application Form.' After paying the reissuance fee, they can receive the new version of the driver's license.
5
2
Share

What are the principles for emergency avoidance on highways?

When encountering emergencies on highways, the principle of 'avoid people first, then objects' should be adhered to. Emergency avoidance measures should not exceed necessary limits to avoid causing undue harm. Here is supplementary information: 1. When a breakdown requires inspection: Park in the emergency lane, do not attempt repairs on the driving lane. If the vehicle cannot temporarily leave the emergency lane or shoulder due to a breakdown, the driver and passengers should exit the vehicle and wait in a safe area outside the roadside guardrail. 2. In case of accidental collision with a guardrail: Steady the steering wheel, quickly turn towards the side of the collision to force the vehicle to slow down and stop. 3. When encountering abnormal situations or accidents: Turn on the hazard warning lights, evacuate people, correctly place hazard warning signs, and minimize losses as much as possible. Never cause secondary accidents or greater losses due to emergency avoidance. 4. Preventing and dealing with 'hydroplaning': When driving a motor vehicle on a highway in rainy conditions, if 'hydroplaning' occurs, gently lift the accelerator pedal to slow down, and do not use emergency braking to decelerate.
1
5
Share

How to Properly Tie a Tow Hook Knot?

Tying a tow hook knot is as follows: Using a rope to tie a knot is basically a daily life skill requirement. However, when it comes to tow ropes, the knot must be secure; otherwise, it is prone to slipping during the towing process. Double Overhand Knot: First, loop the rope around the object twice; then pass the rope end through the second loop and pull it tight; finally, just tie a half knot. Half Knot Method: First, cross the rope end with the rope, then pull the passed rope end tight. Reverse Figure-Eight Knot: First, tie a figure-eight knot in the middle of the rope, cross the rope end first, then loop the rope end around the main rope, pass it through the rope loop, and pull it tight. Next, pass the rope end through the end of the rope in the opposite direction along the knot. Then pass the rope end through the first knot and loop it back under the knot. During the looping back process, the rope end needs to pass through the lower rope loop. Finally, adjust and pull it tight. Figure-Eight Knot Method: First, cross the rope end, then loop the rope end around the main rope, and finally pass the rope end through the rope loop and pull it tight to complete the task.
2
1
Share

How to Deal with Rust on Dry Dual Clutch?

If the rust on the dry dual clutch is not severe, it can be treated with rust remover. If the situation is serious, replacement is the only option. Below are the specific details about the dry dual-clutch transmission in cars: 1. Working Principle: It operates by alternating between two clutches. The difference between dry and wet dual-clutch transmissions lies in the medium connecting the driving and driven plates. Wet dual-clutch transmissions primarily rely on oil, while dry dual-clutch transmissions mainly depend on air. 2. Basic Structure: The friction plates of a dry dual clutch do not have sealed oil grooves and require air cooling for heat dissipation. 3. Advantages and Disadvantages: The advantage of a dry dual clutch is its fast gear shifting speed, while the disadvantage is its relatively low torque capacity.
10
4
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.