Brake discs are covered with rust, normal or dangerous? Here is the answer!

(Credits: freepik)

The brake system is an important part of the car that helps increase driving safety. Regular maintenance and inspection of the brake system is therefore essential. However, many people may notice that when the car is parked for a long time or after heavy use, the brake discs may appear to be "worn out" or have rust stains, which may raise concerns about whether it is abnormal or dangerous. In this article, Motorist will take you to find the answer and recommend the correct way to take care of the brake discs.

What causes the brake disc to become rusty?

• Humidity and weather
  • Brake discs are made of metal that contains iron, which is susceptible to rust, especially when exposed to moisture in the air. If the car is parked in a place with high humidity, such as an open area during the rainy season or near a water source, a thin layer of rust may form on the brake disc.
• Heavy brake use and heat
  • When the brake system is working hard, such as driving down a slope or braking frequently, the heat from the friction between the brake disc and the brake pads may cause stains to build up and become rust stains when it cools down.
• Leaving the car parked for a long time
  • If the car is not used for a long time without moving the wheels or driving at all, the brake disc may develop a thin layer of rust quickly.

The brake disc is rusted, is it dangerous?

In general, if the rust on the brake disc is thin and caused by parking for a long time or weather conditions, normal use of the car, such as driving and braking, will help remove the rust by itself through friction between the brake disc and the brake pad.

How to prevent and maintain brake discs?

• Drive regularly
  • Driving regularly helps reduce the accumulation of rust on brake discs because stepping on the brakes will help remove the rust stains.
• Wash your car and brake discs properly
  • If you have just driven through water or rain, wash your car and wipe it dry, and check that the brake discs are completely dry before parking.
• Avoid parking in damp areas
  • Try to park your car in a dry, well-ventilated area to reduce the chance of rust.
• Check the brake system regularly
  • Get the brake system serviced every 6 months or whenever you feel something is wrong.

Summary

Most brake disc rust is not dangerous if it occurs at a mild level and can be polished out with normal use. However, if left untreated or not properly maintained, it can affect the efficiency of the braking system and driving safety. Therefore, regular maintenance and inspection are important to extend the life of the brake disc and increase safety for you and your passengers.

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