Should Brake Pads Be Replaced If There Is a Burnt Smell?

[DelLorenzo]

Brake pads that emit a burnt smell due to excessive wear should be replaced. Below is an introduction to automotive brake pads: 1. Overview: Automotive brake pads, also known as brake linings, are friction materials fixed to the brake drum or brake disc that rotates with the wheel. The friction lining and friction block bear external pressure to generate friction, thereby achieving the purpose of vehicle deceleration. 2. Structure: The heat insulation layer is composed of non-heat-conducting materials, designed to insulate heat. The friction block consists of friction materials and adhesives. When braking, it is pressed against the brake disc or drum to generate friction, achieving the goal of vehicle deceleration and braking. Due to friction, the friction block gradually wears out. Generally, the lower the cost of the brake pads, the faster they wear. Once the friction material is used up, the brake pads should be replaced promptly. Otherwise, the metal plate will come into direct contact with the brake disc, ultimately leading to loss of braking effectiveness and damage to the brake disc.

[MacWeston]

I've been driving for decades and have smelled the burning odor from brake pads several times. This usually indicates that the brake pads are excessively worn or there's an issue with the calipers. When the material gets too hot from friction, it produces that unpleasant smoky smell. I suggest you stop immediately to check the thickness of the brake pads. If they feel thinner than 3mm by hand, you must replace them right away. Otherwise, the next emergency brake might fail—I almost had an accident on the highway because of this. Regular maintenance is crucial; an annual inspection can prevent such troubles. Don't try to save a few hundred bucks by skipping pad replacements—safety comes first.

[CoreyFitz]

I'm a new driver, and last time I smelled a burnt odor from the brake pads, I panicked. After asking around, my friends all said it was a serious issue. It's mainly caused by the brake pads being worn too thin or getting stuck and overheating, which burns the material and produces the smell. You must replace the pads, otherwise, it will affect the braking distance and increase the risk of accidents. I immediately went to the repair shop for an inspection, and the technician told me the pad thickness was only 2mm left, so I replaced the whole set. They also checked for any brake fluid leaks. Usually, avoid slamming on the brakes too often, especially in hot weather, as it's more likely to trigger this issue. Simply put, don't delay—address it immediately when you smell it. Safety is more important than anything else.

[LeHailey]

I'm a car enthusiast and have studied how brake systems work. When brake pads emit a burnt smell, it's usually due to material oxidation under high temperatures or friction-generated heat, indicating severe pad wear or foreign contaminants. This is more common if you frequently drive at high speeds or brake aggressively. I recommend considering replacement when measured pad thickness falls below 4mm, while also checking if the caliper retracts properly. Regular use of brake cleaner can prevent odor recurrence and extend pad lifespan.