As you gear up for your next road trip, ensuring your vehicle is fully road-ready is crucial for a safe and enjoyable journey. At Promex Auto, located in Newport, NH, we often hear from customers who have experienced brake pad overheating during long drives. This common issue can lead to serious safety concerns if not addressed properly. Here, we’ll break down why brake pads overheat on long road trips and how you can prevent it, so you can hit the road with confidence.
What Causes Brake Pads to Overheat?
Your brake pads are vital to your vehicle’s braking system. They create the friction needed to slow down or stop your car, but during a long road trip, especially with the road conditions we often see in New England, that friction can cause the pads to overheat.
Continuous Braking
If you’re navigating hilly terrain or heavy traffic, you could be using your brakes more than usual. Constant braking generates a lot of heat, leading to overheating.
Overloaded Vehicle
It’s common to load up your car with luggage, camping gear, or extra passengers when heading out on a trip. But the more weight your vehicle carries, the harder your brakes have to work, putting extra stress on the brake pads.
High Speeds
Driving at high speeds means your brakes need to work harder when you do slow down, which increases the heat on your brake pads.
Brake Pad Quality
At Promex Auto, we always recommend using high-quality brake pads, but we’ve seen many vehicles come in with pads that just aren’t up to the task of long, demanding drives. Lower-quality pads can overheat quickly under the strain of a road trip.
Signs Your Brake Pads Are Overheating
Recognizing the signs of overheating brake pads can help you take action before it becomes a serious issue:
Burning Smell
If you catch a whiff of something burning while driving, especially when braking, it’s a strong indicator that your brake pads are overheating.
Brake Fade
Overheating pads can lose their effectiveness, making your brakes feel unresponsive or weak. This condition is known as brake fade.
Squealing or Grinding Noises
When brake pads overheat, they wear down faster, which can cause them to make squealing or grinding noises. This is often a sign that it’s time for a brake pad replacement.
Vibration
If you feel a vibration in the brake pedal, it could be a sign of warped rotors due to overheated pads. This is a clear signal to get your brakes checked out.
How to Prevent Brake Pad Overheating on Your Road Trip
Here at Promex Auto, we want to help you avoid any road trip troubles. Here’s how you can prevent brake pad overheating:
Get a Pre-Trip Brake Inspection
Before heading out, schedule a brake inspection with us. We’ll check your brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid to ensure everything is in top shape. We always make sure your brake pads have plenty of life left and that your brake fluid is at the right level.
Avoid Riding the Brakes
Try to avoid keeping your foot on the brake pedal continuously, especially when driving down long hills. Instead, use engine braking by downshifting, which helps control your speed without overworking your brake pads.
Pack Light
While it’s tempting to bring everything you might need, the heavier your vehicle, the more stress on your brakes. Consider what’s essential and try to lighten your load as much as possible.
Drive Smoothly
Maintaining a steady speed and avoiding sudden stops can reduce the strain on your brakes. Using cruise control on highways can help with this.
Upgrade Your Brake Pads
If you’re a frequent road-tripper or you drive in challenging conditions, talk to us about upgrading to high-performance brake pads that are better suited for heavy use.
What to Do If Your Brake Pads Overheat During Your Trip
If you suspect your brake pads are overheating while you’re on the road:
- Pull Over Safely: Find a safe spot to pull over and let your brakes cool down. Continuing to drive could cause further damage or lead to brake failure.
- Wait It Out: Give your brakes at least 30 minutes to an hour to cool down before resuming your trip.
- Visit Promex Auto: If you’re nearby, bring your vehicle to us for a brake inspection. We’ll assess the situation and make sure your brakes are safe to continue your journey.
Why Regular Brake Maintenance Is Essential
Regular brake maintenance is key to preventing issues like overheating. At Promex Auto, we recommend getting your brake pads checked and replaced as needed, typically every 30,000 to 70,000 miles, depending on your driving habits. We also recommend a brake fluid flush every 30,000 miles. Our brake repair services include everything from brake pad replacements to full brake system inspections, ensuring your vehicle is always roadtrip-ready.
Schedule Your Road Trip Maintenance in Newport, NH
At Promex Auto, we’re dedicated to making sure your vehicle is ready for the road, especially before a big trip. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities, and we’re here to ensure your brakes and overall vehicle performance are up to the challenge of a long journey.
Visit us at Promex Auto, located at 31 Elm St, Newport, NH 03773, or give us a call at 603-863-2704. We’re here to help you get your vehicle in perfect shape for a safe and smooth road trip. Let’s ensure you’re fully prepared for the adventures ahead—contact us today!
