How to Deal with Smoking Brake Pads?
2 Answers
The solutions for smoking brake pads are: 1. If the smoke is caused by frequent braking leading to excessively high temperatures, avoid frequent and prolonged braking; 2. If the smoke is due to unqualified organic content in the brake pad formula or unstable manufacturing processes, the solution is to replace the brake pads; 3. If the smoke results from improper installation causing friction, the brake pads need to be reinstalled. Precautions for replacing brake pads: 1. Always use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) brake pads for replacement to ensure optimal braking performance and minimal wear between the pads and discs; 2. Special tools must be used to retract the brake caliper pistons during replacement; 3. After replacing the brake pads, pump the brake pedal several times to eliminate the gap between the pads and the disc. Failure to do so may result in no braking on the first pedal press, which can easily lead to accidents.
Seeing smoke from the brake pads is no small matter—it's most likely due to overheating in the braking system, possibly from excessive braking on a downhill slope or failing to release the parking brake. Last time I drove on a mountain road, this happened to me—smoke started pouring out. I immediately pulled over to the roadside, kept the engine running for ventilation, and avoided touching the brake discs, as they were scorching hot. Only after they cooled down completely did I check for wear or oil leaks. Afterwards, it's best to call a tow truck to take the car to a repair shop to avoid accidents on the road. Remember, safety comes first—don’t push it just to save time. Brakes are a matter of life and death. Regularly maintain your brake pads and replace them when they wear thin—don’t skimp on this expense. I know a friend who ignored it and ended up spending thousands on repairs later.
