Is It Normal for Brake Pads to Get Hot in Summer?
2 Answers
It is normal for brake pads to get hot during normal operation in summer. Abnormal heating of brake discs during normal driving: Car braking is generated by the friction between the brake pads and the brake discs, which creates braking force to slow down or stop the car. As we all know, friction generates heat. During normal operation of the braking system, heat is inevitably produced due to the friction between the brake pads and the brake discs, so it is normal for the brake discs to become hot to the touch. However, if the brake discs become hot to the touch during normal driving without any braking operation, it is abnormal. Reasons for hot brake pads in summer: It could be caused by poor retraction of the brake caliper, leading to brake drag. In such cases, you should stop driving and have the brake caliper inspected and repaired. Another reason could be excessive and frequent braking during driving. It is advisable to avoid frequent braking while driving, as it not only overheats the brake discs and damages them but also harms the car's tires, engine, and automatic transmission. How to handle hot brake pads in summer: If the brakes have not been overused, the issue is likely with the brake caliper, brake fluid, or aging brake fluid lines. It could also be due to the gap between the disc and the brake shoe. In severe cases, consider replacing the brake pads.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I've seen brake pads getting hot in summer quite often. Friction during braking naturally generates heat, which becomes more noticeable in hot weather since high ambient temperatures hinder heat dissipation - that's perfectly normal. But you've got to be careful, especially during long-distance driving or continuous downhill mountain roads, as overheated brake pads may lead to reduced braking efficiency or even brake failure. I once experienced brake failure after driving on mountain roads in scorching summer heat and nearly rear-ended another car - I've never taken it lightly since then. My advice: always do a quick brake pad thickness check before driving and replace them if severely worn; minimize hard braking while driving and rely more on engine braking; let your car rest for a few minutes to cool down after parking. During regular maintenance, ask your mechanic to inspect the braking system - it can prevent major troubles. Safe driving is always the golden rule.
