How Hot is Normal for Car Brake Discs?
2 Answers
If the car is continuously driving downhill, the brake discs will become very hot. Under normal working conditions, it is perfectly normal for brake discs to get hot. Introduction to Brake Discs: The brake discs on a car are a crucial component of the braking system. When braking, the discs must generate sufficient braking force to stop the vehicle. Over time, prolonged wear causes the discs to heat up. Therefore, the size and technical condition of the brake discs are fundamental to ensuring safe driving. Reasons for Overheated Brake Discs: This could be due to poor retraction of the brake caliper pistons or frequent braking. If the brake caliper malfunctions, the vehicle should be stopped immediately and not driven further. During driving, frequent braking should be avoided as it not only damages the brake discs but may also harm the car's transmission and engine.
I remember when driving long distances downhill, the brake discs often got so hot they were too hot to touch, but the normal temperature should be around 150 to 200 degrees Celsius. During aggressive driving, such as frequent braking, it's not a big deal even if it reaches 300 degrees. In the summer heat, after driving on a mountain road for a while, the brake discs might feel scorching hot or even emit a bit of smoke, which isn't dangerous as long as it doesn't persist. If they overheat, say beyond 350 degrees, the disc surface may turn blue or peel, and that's when you need to get them checked immediately, otherwise it could affect braking performance or even lead to fractures. In daily driving, remember to brake gently, avoid heavy braking on continuous downhill stretches, and regularly maintain the brake pad wear level—then you should be fine.