• Home
  • Denver Auto Repair Services
    • Full Service Oil Change
    • Automatic Transmission
    • Fuel System Cleaning
    • Radiator Flush Service
    • Wiper Blades
    • Air Filter
    • Cabin Air Filter
    • Gearbox Service
    • Brake Repair
    • Clutches
    • CV Boots
    • Tune-Up
    • Steering & Suspension
    • Tires
  • Auto Diagnostic
  • Contact Us
    • About Us
  • Shop Specials
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • 303-691-2760

Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

  • Brake Service
  • Car Maintenance
    • Heating-Air Conditioning
    • Suspension
    • Transmission
    • Engine
    • Tires
  • Oil Change
  • Tips & Tricks

What Happens If Your Brakes Overheat?

August 8, 2019 by admin

Our modern society can’t survive without driving a car. Eighty-three percent of all Americans drive on a frequent basis. 

Here in Colorado, it’s more than a choice; it’s a necessity. If you want to get to work, school, and enjoy your free time a little bit more, owning a car can get you where you’re going in a fraction of the time. 

Of course, owning a car means certain responsibilities. If you own a car, you have to maintain it, so it becomes reliable whenever you need it. What Happens If Your Brakes Overheat?

Have you noticed the brakes squealing? Or maybe you notice a new smell as your brakes heat up. All of these and more may be a sign that you have a problem with your brakes. 

What happens when you brake?

Most people assume it’s the brakes that stop your car. That isn’t the case. Instead, the brakes are designed to stop the wheels from moving. It’s your wheels slowing down that stops the car. 

Modern disc brakes are a large plate-sized disc attached to each wheel. The clamping of the discs causes friction. This is what slows you down. But this friction also generates heat, and that heat has to go somewhere. Disc brakes are designed to dissipate the heat in different ways. Heat will transfer to the brake pads and the brake fluid. It may have a ventilated core with air ducts that help keep them cool.

The system is designed to work flawlessly … for a while. But like everything, sometimes things don’t happen the way they are intended. 

What happens if brakes overheat?

When you push down on the brake pedal inside your car, your vehicle’s brake pads generate friction. This friction is what slows the car down or brings it to a stop, depending on the level of force. 

This action occurs over and over again as you move through the city. But sometimes as heat builds, there’s too much of it. How do you know if your brakes are overheating?

Your brake pedal feels soft

This is where it helps to pay attention to how your car handles. When you press down on the brake pedal, does it have a “spongy” feel? Over time, water can start accumulating in your car’s brake fluid reservoir. As that heats up from use, it starts to reduce the effectiveness of your brakes. This isn’t always a sign of brakes overheating; it could be several other things. Like damage to the brake line. Or low brake fluid. No matter what the problem, if you notice this “soft” feeling when you tap the brake pedal, it’s best to come in for inspection quickly to avoid the consequences of brake failure. 

Your brake pads smoke and smell

Instead of feeling a problem, you may see or smell it instead. Do you notice smoke coming from the wheels? Or maybe you notice a smell every time you brake? This is your brake system telling you something is wrong. 

When brake pads overheat, they put off a similar scent to burning carpet. Once you smell it, you’ll recognize it every time. This is a sure sign that it’s time for a checkup. 

Your brakes are squealing

You can also hear when brakes are failing. They often make a lot of noise. When the friction from the brake action generates enough heat, the pads start to wear and smooth. As they wear down, the glaze on the pad has more difficulty creating the friction. If you’ve ever thought it sounds like metal on metal, that’s literally the case. Press down on the brake pedal, and you’ll hear it squeak and squeal. That’s a sign it’s time to head in for an inspection. 

What to do when brakes overheat

Because there are many signs of brake failure, think of it as your car’s early warning signs. It’s telling you there’s a big problem; you need to slow down and find a safe place to pull over. Only when you’re in a safe place should you let your brakes cool down and determine if they are safe to drive or you should call for a tow. 

Are there ways to avoid overheating?

While overheating often comes with age, there are other factors that can make it more of a possibility. 

The way you drive

Are you the type who pounds on the brake pedal? Do you roar up to the car in front of you and constantly ride the brakes? You’re more likely to experience overheating. By making your ride smooth and steady, you’ll use your brake pads in a more appropriate manner. You’ll give your brake pads a chance to cool in between your stops and starts. 

The way you use your car

Here in Denver, we have a relatively flat city driving experience. But that changes the moment you head up into the hills. As you drive back down from a weekend of playing, try engine braking instead of riding your brakes. Engine braking means downshifting to let the engine take over the slowing process. This means you won’t have to leave your foot on the brake pedal as you spend minutes – hours – coming down out of the mountains. 

The way you maintain your car

There are two ways to approach vehicle maintenance: routine or emergency. Either way, we’re here for you. Routine maintenance allows you to take charge of how well your car operates. We’ll check everything out on a routine basis to ensure it’s working in its best condition. Emergency maintenance means we’ll replace the brake system after you experience some type of failure. Of course, this isn’t the most desired way, as you never know when that will occur. But in the event something happens, we’re here. 

What happens if your brakes overheat? Your first course of action is to stop and get to safety. But how you proceed depends on your situation. 

We suggest bringing your car in and having a full inspection. Your braking system is one of the most important systems on your vehicle; let’s ensure it’s working safely. 

Have additional questions about your brake system, brake repair, or how well your car is operating? We’re here for you anytime; give us a call and ask. 

Filed Under: Brake Repair, Brake Service Tagged With: Brake Repair, Brakes Overheat

Express Car Care
4200 E. Evans Ave. Denver, CO (map)
Phone: (303) 691-2760
Located just southeast of the Colorado Light Rail station

Follow Us Today!

  • Facebook
  • RSS

Shop Hours

Monday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Tuesday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Wednesday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Thursday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Friday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Saturday: Closed – A note from the owner
Sunday: Closed

Click for the BBB Business Review of this Auto Repair & Service in Denver CO

Recent Articles

A Checklist To Help Keep Your Pickup Truck Running Well

A Checklist To Help Keep Your Pickup Truck Running Well

In today’s society, most of us can’t imagine life without a vehicle. But for many of us, a vehicle is simply a way to get around. Sure, we buy something we like. We may choose a color we love, get a … [Read More...]

  • Thermostat
  • Why Your Pickup Truck Should Have Good Brakes
  • Helping Your Truck Run Well As It Ages
  • Are There Traction Control Problems With Your Car?
  • Simple Answers: Exhaust Service

Search Our Site

Brakes Service

Why Your Pickup Truck Should Have Good Brakes

It May Be Time To Replace Your Master Cylinder

Anti-Lock Brakes or Power Brakes – What’s The Difference?

Oil Change

Do You Really Need To Change Motor Oil Every 3,000 Miles?

What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Car’s Motor Oil

Simple Answers: Check Engine Light

Suspension

Why Is My Vehicle Vibrating As I Speed Up and Slow Down

Suspension System Service

Is Your Car Experiencing One Of These Common Suspension Problems?

Transmision Service

Why You Change Your Transmission Fluid

All-Wheel, Front-Wheel, Rear-Wheel – What’s The Difference?

Help, I Think My Transmission May Be In Trouble

Engine Service

What Is Fuel Injection and Why Should You Care?

EVAP System Leak, Now What?

Timing Chain or Timing Belt – How Your Car Works

Auto Tips & Tricks

Easy Ways To Repair Your Car Without The Stress

A Few “Key” Facts

Why Your Car May Fail The Emissions Test

"Denvers Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube" - Copyright © 2021 - 4200 E. Evans Ave. Denver, CO 303-691-2760