Can You Still Drive When the Brake Pads Are Smoking?
2 Answers
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.
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.