Will excessive temperature affect the performance of brake pads?

Excessive temperature can significantly affect the performance of brake pads. Here's how:

Brake Fade: Excessive heat can cause brake fade, where the braking efficiency decreases due to the overheating of brake lining. When brake pads get too hot, they can't generate enough friction to stop the vehicle effectively.

Material Degradation: High temperatures can lead to the degradation of the materials used in brake pads. Organic materials, such as resins and fillers, can break down, reducing the pad's ability to grip the rotor properly.

Glazing: Excessive heat can cause brake pads to glaze over. This occurs when the surface of the pad becomes smooth and hardened due to extreme temperatures, reducing friction and compromising braking performance.

Brake Fluid Boiling: Extremely high temperatures can also cause brake fluid to boil. This can lead to a loss of hydraulic pressure in the brake system, resulting in a spongy brake pedal and reduced braking effectiveness.

Uneven Wear: Overheating can lead to uneven wear on the brake pads, causing them to wear out prematurely and potentially leading to rotor damage as well.

To mitigate the effects of excessive temperature on brake pads, it's essential to use brake pads designed to handle high temperatures, maintain the braking system properly, avoid aggressive braking for extended periods, and ensure adequate airflow to dissipate heat. Additionally, performance-oriented brake pads, such as those made of ceramic or other high-performance materials, may better withstand high temperatures than standard brake pads.