Improving Your Automobile

5 Tips to Prevent Your Brakes From Overheating When Going Downhill

22 May 2017

Addison Morris

When your brakes get hot, it compromises their functioning, and it can shorten their lifespan as well. In particular, you may notice your brakes getting hot when you are driving downhill. To keep them cool, check out these tips. They'll protect your brakes from going 'downhill'. 

1. Watch for Overheating

When you are driving down a mountain or any steep grade, pay attention to the responsiveness of your brakes. If you are pushing the pedal to the floor but the brakes don't seem to be responding, they may be overheating. Open your window and see if there's a hot, smoky odour.

2. Pull Over as Needed

If you smell heat, always be ready to pull over. Then, stop your car by the side by road and let the brakes cool thoroughly before driving the vehicle again. To test the temperature, splash some water on the brakes. If you hear sizzling, the vehicle is not ready to drive.

If you notice this problem consistently, you may want to explore some of the solutions below. Alternatively, consider only driving on mountainous roads that have ramps for runaway trucks. These are gravel ramps on the shoulders of downhill roads. If a truck's brakes are overheating and unresponsive, the driver just veers onto that ramp, and the uphill incline stops the vehicle from moving.

3. Turn Off the Cruise Control

Make sure that you also turn off the cruise control. If it's on, your car will engage the brakes to keep your vehicle at speed. It's easier on your brakes if you navigate the grade on your own.

4. Shift Into a Lower Gear

The most effective way to protect your brakes from overheating on a downhill slope is to shift into a lower gear. When you do this, the engine slows down its revolutions, which ultimately slows down the entire car. However, as your brakes aren't involved, they don't receive any wear and tear.

Surprisingly, this tip doesn't just apply to manual transmissions. You can also shift automatic cars into lower gears. Slide into second gear at highway speeds, but if you are going slowly on a winding road, you may want to go into first gear. Then, just brake as needed.

5. Consider Installing Brake Ducts

Brake ducts are basically small ducts or tubes that carry hot air away from your brakes. They are primarily used in racing, but you can get a mechanic to retrofit them onto your vehicle. That may be helpful if you're often going downhill.

For more information, check out sites like http://www.wollongongmechanical.com.au and work with a mechanic near you.

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