Is It Serious If Car Brake Pads Rust?
2 Answers
Car brake pads rusting requires immediate attention. Detailed explanation is as follows: Rust on car brake discs is a normal phenomenon. Most car brake discs are made of cast iron material, which is exposed to the elements for long periods, enduring rain, snow, and harsh environments, inevitably leading to surface rust. Rust can affect the car's braking performance and needs to be addressed promptly. For minor rust marks, driving the car and applying the brakes a few times will wear off the rusted areas. Additional information: Under normal driving conditions, the brake pads should be inspected every 5,000 kilometers. The inspection should include not only the remaining thickness but also the wear condition of the pads, whether the wear is even on both sides, and whether the pads retract freely. Any abnormal conditions must be dealt with immediately.
I've been driving for decades and have seen brake pad rust quite often. Generally speaking, a thin layer of surface rust on brake pads is completely harmless—it's just normal oxidation, especially after rainy, humid weather or when the car sits unused for a few days. After driving out and applying the brakes a few times, the rust will naturally wear off, and the braking performance remains unaffected—just as responsive and powerful as usual. However, if the rust penetrates too deeply—for instance, when the car is parked long-term in waterlogged areas or coastal environments with high salt content—the corrosion may reach internal structures, leading to reduced braking force or unusual noises. In such cases, safety becomes a concern, and it's best to get it checked promptly to avoid accidents. My advice: after washing the car or heavy rain, don't park immediately—drive around to let the brakes dry thoroughly. When parking, choose dry, well-ventilated spots, and during maintenance, ask the mechanic to inspect whether the brake pad coatings show signs of aging. This small habit can prevent problems before they arise.
