How to Deal with Smoking Brake Pads?

[MadelineDella]

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.

[LeElliana]

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.

[McDelilah]

Smoke from brake pads is usually caused by dragging brakes or overuse, such as prolonged downhill braking leading to overheating. I think the key is to stay calm, gradually pull over, and avoid sudden braking. After stopping, turn off the engine and allow ventilation—don't tamper with it yourself to prevent injury. Wait an hour for cooling, then check brake pad thickness and whether the caliper is stuck. Frequent smoking may indicate low brake fluid or blocked lines, requiring professional inspection. Prevention matters too—use lower gears for engine braking on mountain roads to reduce brake usage. In my line of work, I often see minor neglect leading to major repairs.

[OAvery]

The first time I encountered smoke coming from the brake pads, I was terrified. It happened on my way to the supermarket when I smelled a burning odor and saw smoke. I immediately slowed down, came to a gradual stop, and shifted into neutral to wait. It took about half an hour for the brakes to cool down. After getting home, I looked it up online and learned that it could mean the brake pads were worn out or stuck, needing replacement. Later, at the auto repair shop, they confirmed the pads were indeed thin, and I got them replaced for 200 yuan. A tip for beginners: don’t panic or slam on the brakes. After stopping, avoid touching hot components to prevent burns. Regularly check the thickness of your brake pads—I do it every six months—it saves money and ensures safety.

[ORichard]

Veteran drivers know that smoking brake pads are mostly caused by dragging brakes, especially in automatic transmission vehicles going downhill. When handling this, immediately pull over safely, keep the car stationary, maintain distance, and don't turn off the engine—let it cool naturally. I usually wait ten minutes, then use a cloth to wrap my hand and lightly touch to check if it's not too hot before inspecting the pads and fluids. If this happens frequently, it's best to replace them with high-heat-dissipation pads to avoid overheating. When driving up steep slopes, use lower gears more often and brake less to prevent wear. With forty years of driving experience, I've seen too many lessons from negligence—the key is not to ignore it, as hidden dangers are endless.