Is It Normal for the Front Wheel Brake Discs to Get Hot?
2 Answers
Wheel hubs getting hot is a normal phenomenon caused by friction between the brake pads during braking, which conducts heat to the hubs. Here are the specific reasons: Component Failure: Brake discs getting hot is usually due to the heat generated by friction when braking. If the temperature exceeds the normal range and becomes excessively hot, it could indicate a problem with the components and should not be taken lightly. Precautions: While driving, be careful not to press the brakes for extended periods. When going downhill, try to shift to a lower gear to let the engine control the speed instead of relying too much on the brakes. Otherwise, the brakes may overheat and lose effectiveness, eventually leading to brake failure.
Having driven for over a decade, I believe front brake disc overheating depends on the situation. It's completely normal for discs to be scalding hot after descending a long slope or being stuck in traffic with constant braking for half an hour – friction generates heat, and temperatures can soar past 200°C. But if they start smoking after just 20 minutes of normal driving, there's definitely an issue. Common culprits include seized caliper pistons causing constant pad contact, or a stuck parking brake cable preventing full release (in which case rear discs also overheat). Once, my neighbor's car had steaming rear hubs after highway driving – inspection revealed dry grinding from lack of bearing lubrication, which even discolored the brake discs. If you notice abnormal single-wheel overheating or sudden fuel consumption spikes, head straight to the workshop.
