What causes heat glaze or mirror scorn on brake rotors? Can this be prevented at all?
When brakes are applied, the friction between the brake pads and rotors generates heat. This heat can cause the rotors to glaze or develop a mirror-like surface, which can reduce braking performance.
There are a few factors that can contribute to heat glaze, including:
- Overheating: When brakes are used excessively, such as during hard braking or long descents, the rotors can become too hot and glaze over.
- Improper bedding: When new brake pads are installed, they need to be properly bedded in to ensure that they mate evenly with the rotors. If the pads are not properly bedded in, they can cause the rotors to glaze over.
- Contamination: If brake fluid or other contaminants get on the rotors, it can cause them to glaze over.
Heat glaze can be prevented by:
- Avoiding overheating: Try to avoid hard braking and long descents whenever possible.
- Proper bedding: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for bedding in new brake pads.
- Keeping the brakes clean: Regularly clean the brakes with a brake cleaner to remove any contaminants.
If the rotors do become glazed, they can be resurfaced by a mechanic. This will remove the glazed surface and restore the braking performance.
FAQ
- What are the symptoms of heat glaze? Reduced braking performance, squealing or chattering when braking.
- Can heat glaze be dangerous? Yes, heat glaze can reduce braking performance and lead to accidents.
- How often should brake rotors be resurfaced? This depends on how often the brakes are used and how aggressively they are driven. In general, rotors should be resurfaced every 50,000 to 75,000 miles.
- Is it possible to prevent heat glaze completely? No, but it can be reduced by following the tips above.
- What are some good ways to clean brake rotors? Use a brake cleaner and a stiff brush to remove any dirt or debris.
Related products
- Hawk Performance Ceramic Brake Pads
- Akebono ProACT Ultra-Premium Ceramic Brake Pads
- Bosch QuietCast Premium Ceramic Brake Pads
- Power Stop 1-Click Ceramic Brake Pad and Rotor Kit
- Brembo Xtra Brake Rotors
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