What are the effects of pouring water on overheated brake pads once?
2 Answers
Generally, this refers to the situation where sudden watering after prolonged and intense braking in emergency conditions can cause brake disc deformation. The process of watering cannot achieve uniform coverage of the entire brake pad simultaneously, resulting in some areas getting wet while others remain dry. The wet brake pads will contract sharply, leading to brake disc deformation and affecting braking performance. Below is relevant information about brake discs: 1. If the car is driving on a long downhill road, and the driver does not use engine braking but relies solely on the brakes to control speed, encountering sudden rain or driving through puddles in such conditions can easily cause brake disc deformation. 2. If the brake pads overheat and deform due to water exposure caused by sudden acceleration and braking, the strength of the brake disc will significantly decrease. This cannot be repaired and requires replacement with a new brake disc.
When I used to drive long distances downhill, my brake pads overheated, so I splashed some water on them to cool them down. As a result, the brake discs immediately warped, and the brakes shook violently when applied. The mechanic checked and said that pouring water caused a sudden temperature drop, leading to uneven metal contraction and cracks, severely compromising the entire braking performance. Since then, I’ve learned my lesson—when the brake pads are smoking hot, I find a safe place to park and let them cool naturally. Never pour water on them, as it can not only damage the discs and pads but also cause brake fluid leaks or caliper rust, posing driving risks. It’s advisable to regularly check brake wear and use lower gears to control speed while driving to avoid overheating.
