What should you do if your brakes become too hot?

When your brakes become too hot, the safest and most effective action is to pull over in a safe location and allow them to cool. This is important because overheating can lead to brake failure, which puts you and others on the road at risk.

When brakes heat up excessively, they can lose effectiveness due to brake fade, where the friction material loses its ability to grip, leading to longer stopping distances and a potential inability to stop altogether. By pulling over, you allow the brakes to dissipate heat, which helps restore their functionality.

Continuing to drive normally ignores the potential dangers associated with hot brakes and could exacerbate the problem. Using emergency brakes may not be advisable as it can lead to more heat generation and further risks. Pouring water on hot brakes can cause thermal shock, cracking the brake components, which can lead to significant and costly damage. Therefore, allowing the brakes to cool in a secure location is the correct and safest approach.