Does smoking brake pads affect braking performance?

[Aubrey]

Smoking brake pads do affect braking performance. Relevant explanations are as follows: Reasons: When brake pads smoke, you should stop the vehicle promptly. It is normal for brake pads to become hot, but it is rare for civilian vehicles to glow red. The braking system of civilian vehicles typically reaches its limit before turning red, and the brake fluid may boil. When heavy-duty trucks frequently use brakes for extended periods during continuous downhill driving, the brake pads can also become hot and exhibit this phenomenon. Precautions: When replacing brake pads, always use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) provided brake pads. Only in this way can the braking effect between the brake pads and brake discs be optimal, with minimal wear.

[KinsleyFitz]

I once experienced smoke coming from the brake pads while driving. I was in a hurry at the time, frequently braking on a continuous downhill slope, and suddenly saw white smoke coming from the wheel hub. Immediately, I felt the brake pedal become soft, with almost no response when pressed. This happens because when the brake pads overheat, the friction material on the surface hardens or carbonizes, drastically reducing friction, and sometimes even cracking. Continuing to drive not only increases braking distance but also risks a complete loss of control, like how I almost rear-ended someone that time. You must pull over and wait for at least half an hour for them to cool down. If the smoke is severe, call a tow truck to take the car to a repair shop for new pads. Prevention is crucial: use lower gears to control speed on downhill mountain roads, avoiding prolonged brake pressure to prevent such incidents. Regularly checking brake pad thickness is also essential—replace them early if they're worn thin, don’t wait for problems to arise. In short, smoke is a warning—don’t push your luck.

[LaKing]

Last time I drove a long distance back to my hometown, the brake pads suddenly started smoking on the mountainside. I was terrified—the brake pedal felt spongy, like stepping on cotton, and the car wouldn't stop, sliding forward. After asking a friend, I learned this was brake fade caused by overheating, where the heat reduces the friction coefficient too much, especially during continuous braking on downhill slopes. Never ignore smoking brakes—you should immediately pull over, turn off the engine, and let the entire braking system cool down. Otherwise, you risk damaging the brake discs or even causing a fire. The impact on braking performance is very real. That experience taught me a lesson—now I test my brakes' sensitivity every month to avoid risky long-distance drives. When replacing them, opt for ceramic or composite materials for better heat resistance—it's safer and more reliable. Remember, if you see smoke, don't move the car—protecting yourself comes first.

[McAnnie]

Seeing brake pads smoking is a clear sign of compromised braking performance, which is no surprise. The smoke indicates overheating, and the heat causes the brake pad material to degrade, significantly reducing friction. In severe cases, it can even lead to complete failure. You must stop and inspect immediately, allowing the brakes to cool before driving again to prevent further damage. Regularly pay attention to unusual brake noises or pedal feel—prevention is the best strategy. When going downhill, use engine braking more often instead of constantly applying the brakes.