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Hot Or Burning Brakes Smell

A sharp, hot smell from one or more wheels after driving usually means the brakes are overheating, either from long downhill braking or from a brake that is sticking.

High risk

Have it checked promptly. A sticking brake can overheat and lose braking performance.

Short answer · Why do my brakes smell hot?

Long descents in a low gear help, but riding the brakes downhill makes them very hot and smell. That is a normal reaction to heavy use. If the smell comes after normal driving, a caliper, slide pin or handbrake may not be releasing, so one brake drags all the time. The wheel then feels much hotter than the others and the car may pull to one side.

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Safe checks you can do

  1. Compare wheel temperaturesHold your hand near each wheel, without touching. A much hotter wheel points to a dragging brake.Never touch brake discs or wheels after driving; they can burn.
  2. Check the handbrakeMake sure it is fully released.
  3. Notice any pullA car that pulls to one side when coasting suggests a dragging brake.

Questions that narrow it down

  1. After a long descent?Normal overheating; use a lower gear next time.
  2. After normal driving?A sticking brake is likely.
  3. Is there smoke from one wheel?Stop and let it cool.

Possible causes

Listed without ranking. Use the questions above to see which ones fit your car.

  1. Heavy braking downhillNormal overheating.
  2. Sticking brake caliperBrake does not release.
  3. Seized slide pinsPads stay in contact.
  4. Handbrake not fully releasedRear brakes drag.
  5. New brake pads bedding inA slight smell for a short time.

Questions about Hot Or Burning Brakes Smell

Is the smell from new pads normal?

A light smell during the first few drives is common while the pads bed in.

Can overheated brakes fail?

They can fade temporarily and stop less well. Let them cool.