Brake discs, they are the essential element of motorcycle safety. The friction created by the brake pad, which presses on the brake disc helps to slow down the motorcycle. The brake discs on your motorcycle must therefore function properly to ensure your safety and that of other road users.
However, overheating is the most common cause of brake disc failure. When the brake rotors get too hot, they exhibit several symptoms that indicate that they have overheated: the brake disc changes color, and as the temperature rises, the pads become more and more slippery.
In particular, in the event of overheating, the brake discs become less effective. As a result, overheated brake discs pose a risk to you as a rider as well as to other road users with whom you share the road.
Keep reading this article to learn more about the causes and symptoms of overheated brake discs and the best ways to deal with it.
How to detect brake disc overheating motorcycle?
A complete diagnosis and check of the brake system components as well as a complete visual check of the brake system can help you determine the condition of the brake discs and detect overheating.
Indeed, it is also possible to determine the temperature to which the brake discs heat up. And this just by examining the color of the disc steel. Because during heating, the steel takes on different colors. Whenever the brake disc reaches a specific temperature, it will change color. And when it reaches its critical temperature, we observe that the steel changes color, it turns bright red.
However, one of the first signs of overheating is loss of brake performance. Usually, when the brake disc reaches a critical temperature, the pads freeze and become slippery. And thus the efficiency and the braking distance will be reduced considerably. What's more, a bad smell from the brakes can also be a sign of overheating of the brake disc. Indeed, most bikers who say they have had issues with the brake disc overheating say it looks a lot more like a burnt rubber smell. It is a very strong odor, accompanied more often with white smoke, which comes out of the braking system.
Overheating of a motorcycle brake disc caused by aggressive driving
Aggressive driving is undoubtedly the main cause of overheating brake discs. This is because the faster you go and the more aggressive you drive and the more often you have to brake sharply, the greater the risk that the brake discs will overheat.
This is why it is highly recommended to adopt a flexible and progressive driving rhythm. And above all to avoid braking suddenly and unnecessarily. Because sudden braking can obviously cause an increase in brake rotor temperature, which can reach up to 700 ° C.
Overheating of motorcycle brake discs due to improper mounting of the brake pads
Overheating can be caused by an improperly fitted part of the brake system. In fact, if the calipers or the pads are incorrectly installed, a contact and abnormal friction may occur. This can therefore cause the brake discs to overheat.
The best way to prevent this from happening is to install the brake rotors and pads as recommended by the manufacturer. And make sure that the parts installed are of very good quality.
But if you do not believe yourself capable of carrying out this mechanical operation on your own then do not hesitate to call a reputable garage. To help you fit your brake system parts correctly.
Overheating caused by seized brake calipers
Seizure of the brake calipers causes premature brake wear and can cause the temperature of the brake discs to rise. If you notice that your caliper is dead or seized, in this case you must find a good garage, in order to help you loosen or change it!
How to prevent brake discs from overheating motorcycle?
In any case, it is always easier to prevent overheating of the brake discs than to cope with it. To avoid having to suffer the consequences of the overheating of these brake discs in the future, avoid aggressive driving and especially sudden braking. Follow the maintenance schedule for your motorbike to ensure the performance of your vehicle. Make sure that your brake system is checked regularly and that its parts are properly replaced as required by your manufacturer. In the event of a breakdown, find a good garage or a well-reputed professional, able to meet all your expectations!
