Before we get into the signs of overheating brakes, it is crucial to understand that overheating brakes create an extremely dangerous situation. When the brake system gets too hot, it is prone to fail. Consequently, you may find yourself unable to stop your SUV, car, or truck. If you suspect that your brakes are too hot, pull over and call for a tow truck. Have the truck tow your vehicle to our shop so we can inspect the brake system to find out why it is overheating.
Squealing Noises
One of the first things that will happen if the brake system is getting too hot is it will start to squeal every time you press down on the brake pedal. This is a sign that the brake pads and rotors are too hot. When they get too hot, their surfaces smooth out. This is called glazing. The brake pads and rotors have rough surfaces to generate friction. This friction is then converted into kinetic energy to slow down and stop your automobile. If the brake pads and rotors are smooth, they will not generate the friction that is needed for your brakes to work. This is one reason why the brakes fail.
Burning Carpet Odors
You can tell that your brake pads have glazed if you smell a burning carpet odor wafting from the brakes. This is the odor that the brake pads release when they are too hot. Again, it is crucial that you pull over and stop driving your automobile if you can smell an odor that resembles burning carpets. Unfortunately, if you continue to operate the vehicle, you may end up unable to stop your automobile. One thing you can do is let the brakes cool down and see if they overheat again when you start driving again. If they do, again, have your vehicle towed to our shop.
Burning Chemical Odors
Another thing that will tell you that the brake system is too hot is burning chemical odors coming from the brakes. This odor is released by the brake fluid. When the brake fluid starts to boil in the system and in the brake lines, it releases a chemical odor. Unfortunately, the bubbling can also make it difficult for the hydraulic fluid to push the brake pads into the rotors. Your brake pedal may start to feel squishy underneath your foot. This is another sign that the brakes are overheating.
Don’t take chances. Have your vehicle towed to our shop if your brake system is getting too hot.