Do New Brakes Smell And Smoke? Is That Normal? - Vehicle Freak

• Matija Pinko

Updated on September 14, 2022

When you get new brakes installed, do they smell strange and smoke? If so, don’t worry – it’s normal!

New brakes still have a thin layer of protective coating on them to prevent rust. When you first start using your new brakes, this coating can wear off and cause a burning smell and smoke, which is completely normal.

In this blog post, we’ll tell you what to expect when you get new brakes, and why they might smell and smoke. We’ll also give you some tips on how to keep your new brakes in good condition.

How Do Brakes Work?

The brakes on your car are essentially made up of two parts – the pads and the shoes. The pads are located on the outside of the brakes (the part that you see when you look at them), and they press against the rotors (the metal discs that the wheels sit on) to stop the wheels from spinning.

The shoes are located on the inside of the brakes and press against the drums (the hollow metal cylinders that the wheels sit on) to stop the wheels from spinning.

When you press the brake pedal, it activates the pads and shoes, which then press against the rotors and drums. The friction between the pads and rotors (or shoes and drums) slows down the rotation of the wheels, and eventually brings the car to a stop.

The type of brakes that your car has will determine how they work. Disc brakes (the most common type) use pads to press against the rotors, while drum brakes use shoes to press against the drums.

There are also some newer types of brakes that use both pads and shoes (called “composite” or “ceramic” brakes), but they work in essentially the same way as traditional disc and drum brakes. As you can see, the entire process of how brakes work is relatively simple.

However, there are many smaller processes that occur within a brake system to make this possible, such as the turning off of the fuel supply when you press the brake pedal, or how antilock braking systems prevent your car from skidding when you brake too hard on slippery surfaces.

So as you can see, it’s a complicated process but one that works very well! If you’re ever curious about something related to your car’s brakes – like why they squeak or squeal – then make sure to do some research online or talk to someone at your local auto shop for more information.

Why Do New Brakes Smell While Braking?

If you’ve ever noticed a burning smell while braking, don’t worry – it’s perfectly normal. It’s caused by the pads and shoes getting hot from friction. When you press the brake pedal, the pads and shoes are forced against the rotors and drums, which slows down the wheels.

The friction between the pads and rotors (or shoes and drums) causes the pads and shoes to get very hot – so hot, in fact, that they can start to smoke.

The good news is that this is perfectly normal and nothing to be concerned about. The brakes on your car are designed to withstand this kind of heat, and they will eventually cool down once you release the brake pedal.

However, if you notice that the smell persists or that your brakes are getting very hot, it’s a good idea to have them checked out by a mechanic to make sure there’s not a problem.

In summary, the burning smell when you brake is perfectly normal and nothing to be concerned about. However, if you notice that the smell persists or that your brakes are getting very hot, it’s a good idea to have them checked out by a mechanic to make sure there’s not a problem.

Why Does That Happen?

New brakes still have a thin layer of protective coating on them to prevent rust. When you first start using your new brakes, this coating can wear off and cause a burning smell.

This is perfectly normal and nothing to be concerned about. The brakes on your car are designed to withstand this kind of heat, and they will eventually cool down once you release the brake pedal.

However, if you notice that the smell persists or that your brakes are getting very hot, it’s a good idea to have them checked out by a mechanic to make sure there’s not a problem.

What to Do If My Brakes Are Glowing Red?

If your brakes are glowing red, this is generally a sign that there may be an issue with your brake system. One possible cause of this is overheating, which can occur if you apply the brakes too often or for too long without letting them cool down in between uses.

Other possible causes include brake fluid leaks or damage to the rotors and pads.

How to Solve Brake Problems?

The first step in solving brake problems is to check the condition of your brakes and make sure that there are no issues with the hardware.

Some common symptoms of brake problems include a grinding, squeaking, or squealing sound when you press on the pedals, as well as a visible discoloration or glow on your brakes.

If you notice any of these symptoms, the next step is to inspect your brake pads and rotors for damage. You can do this by looking at them closely or by taking your car to a mechanic for a more thorough inspection. If you spot any damaged parts during this inspection, they will likely need to be replaced in order to solve the problem.

Once any damaged parts have been replaced, it’s also important to make sure that you are using your brakes properly.

When braking, it’s important to apply the brakes slowly and gently at first, giving the system time to slow down the vehicle without overheating or putting too much strain on any parts. You should also take care to avoid harsh braking conditions, such as when driving on slippery surfaces.

Overall, there are a few key steps you can take if your brakes start glowing red. The first is to check for damage to your brake pads and rotors, which can be done by inspecting them yourself or taking your car in to a mechanic for an inspection.

If any damaged parts are found, they will likely need to be replaced in order to solve the problem.

How to Replace Rotors Yourself?

To replace your rotors, you’ll first need to remove the old ones by taking off the wheels and calipers. Once the old rotors are removed, you can install the new ones in their place and reassemble the brakes.

1. Start by lifting your car off the ground and safely supporting it on jack stands or with a hydraulic lift.
2. Remove the wheels from your car to gain access to the brake rotors.
3. Check the condition of the brake pads and make sure that they do not need to be replaced, as this may affect how you remove the rotors.
4. Use a wrench to loosen and remove any retaining bolts holding the rotors in place, then pull them out carefully and set them aside for replacement later on.
5. Clean any grease or debris off of the surface of your brake calipers using a clean rag or some degreasing solution, then apply a fresh coat of lubricant to protect against rust moving forward.
6. Install the new rotors onto your brake calipers, making sure to align them properly and securely tighten any retaining bolts or screws.
7. Test your brakes to ensure that they are functioning as expected, then reinstall your wheels and lower your car from the jack stands or lift. Repeat this process for all of the other rotors on your car as needed to keep it in good working condition.

How to Replace Brake Pads?

1. Start by lifting your car off the ground and safely supporting it on jack stands or with a hydraulic lift.
2. Remove the wheels from your car to gain access to the brake pads, then locate any retaining bolts that are holding them in place.
3. Use a wrench to loosen and remove these retaining bolts, then pull out the old brake pads and set them aside for replacement later on.
4. Clean any grease or debris off of the surface of your brake calipers using a clean rag or some degreasing solution, then apply a fresh coat of lubricant to protect against rust moving forward.
5. Install the new brake pads into their proper positions, making sure that they are aligned correctly and securely fasten the retaining bolts or screws.
6. Test your brakes to ensure that they are functioning as expected, then reinstall your wheels and lower your car from the jack stands or lift. Repeat this process for all of the other brake pads on your car as needed to keep it in good working condition.

How to Check for Any Brake Line Leaks?

One of the best ways to check for brake line leaks is by looking under your car for any visible signs of damage. You may also want to inspect your brake fluid levels, as low levels can be a sign of a leak.

Additionally, you can test your brakes to see if they are functioning properly and listen for any unusual sounds that might indicate a leak. If you’re still not sure after performing these checks, it’s best to take your car to a mechanic for an inspection so that they can diagnose the problem more accurately.

FAQs

Are Aftermarket Rotors Better Than Stock?

In general, aftermarket rotors tend to be more expensive than stock rotors. However, they also tend to offer better performance in terms of braking power and longevity.

If you are someone who drives often and puts a lot of strain on your brakes, then you may find that aftermarket rotors are the best choice for you.

Ultimately, the decision is up to you and your specific needs and driving habits. Some factors to consider when choosing between aftermarket or stock rotors include cost, braking performance, longevity, and more.

Do your research, talk to other car owners, and consult with experts in order to make an informed decision about which type of brake rotors will work best for you.

How Long Do Rotors Last?

The lifespan of brake rotors depends on a number of factors, including how often you drive your car and what type of driving you do. In general, aftermarket rotors tend to last longer than stock rotors, as they are made with more durable materials and undergo more rigorous testing and quality control.

If you rely heavily on your brakes or drive frequently in conditions that are especially harsh on your brakes, then it’s likely that you will need to replace your aftermarket rotors at some point. It is advised you change rotors every 100,000 miles.

How Long Do Brake Pads Last?

Brake pads typically need to be replaced every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, depending on driving habits and conditions. If you frequently brake hard or drive in stop-and-go traffic, then your brake pads will wear down more quickly and will need to be replaced more often.

How Much Do Rotors Cost?

Stock rotors can cost anywhere from $30 to $100 per rotor, while aftermarket rotors typically cost $50 to $200 per rotor. The price difference is due to the fact that aftermarket rotors are made with higher quality materials and undergo more rigorous testing and quality control.

How Often Should You Replace Brake Fluid?

The fluid that helps to apply the pressure of your brake pedal is called brake fluid. It’s important to replace this fluid every couple of years for a safe driving experience. Brake fluid serves as hydraulic oil and can oxidize over time, which will lead you to have poor performance with braking in your car.

If you are noticing signs that your brakes aren’t performing as well as they used to, it could be because they need new brake fluid. You should check out the level of your brake fluid through the dashboard indicator light (if present), or by simply opening up the hood and looking at your brake reservoir cap if it has one.

When checking the level of your brake fluid, it’s not uncommon for there to be a small amount of air in the reservoir.

This doesn’t mean there’s a leak, but rather that you have to bleed the system before it can work properly again.

If your brake pedal feels spongy when going down, this is another sign that it might be time to replace your brake fluid. Never let the bottom line here is that your brake fluid should be changed every couple of years for the safety of yourself and others on the road.

To continue replacing your brake fluid regularly, you should first find out if there are any warning signs that indicate it might be time for a replacement. Some common symptoms include an indicator light on your dashboard or a spongy feel in your pedal when braking.

Another common sign is if you have to bleed your brake system frequently. If any of these are present, it’s time for a change.

To actually replace the fluid, you’ll need to open up the hood and locate the reservoir. Once you’ve found it, use a turkey baster to remove all of the old fluid. Next, fill the reservoir with new brake fluid until it reaches the “full” line.

Finally, close everything up and test drive your car to see if the problem has been resolved.

Can You Flush Brake Fluid?

Yes, you can flush the brake fluid. This is actually a good idea to do every now and then to keep your brakes in good condition. To flush your brake fluid, you’ll need to remove the old fluid from the system and replace it with new fluid.

The process for flushing your brake fluid is as follows:

• First, locate the reservoir under the hood of your car. Once you’ve found it, use a turkey baster to remove all of the old fluid.
• Next, fill the reservoir with new brake fluid until it reaches the “full” line.
• Finally, close everything up and test drive your car to see if the problem has been resolved.

Conclusion

The burning smell and smoke that you may notice when breaking in new brakes are completely normal. This is caused by the friction between the pads and rotors or shoes and drums as they press against each other to slow down your wheels.

While this heat can be uncomfortable at times, it typically dissipates once you release the brake pedal and your brakes cool down.

However, if you notice any persistent burning smells or excessive heat from your brakes, it’s a good idea to have them checked out by a mechanic to make sure there isn’t something wrong.

For more information, check out these other articles:

How Long Does It Take To Bleed Brakes

When Should You Cover The Brake?

How Long Can You Drive On Grinding Brakes?