Cold water on hot brakes?

[AutoApollo]

Should I be concerned when I'm washing the car that spraying water on the brakes could damage them? I see hot water vapour coming off the discs

[Audios S6]

Avoid if possible. There is the potential to warp things. That said, your brakes could be hot as Hades while driving and it starts raining or you drive through a puddle.

Of greater concern the spraying any kind of cleaner on a hot wheel, or brake component. This is a big no-no.

[FUNX650]

Should I be concerned when I'm washing the car that spraying water on the brakes could damage them?

IMO: Yes.

Sure there are material-specific tolerances...
but, cold water hitting hot braking components
can have negative results such as "warped" rotors,
which then can lead to the lessening of pad life, etc.

If hot: let them cool down for a little while.
(BTW: Same suggestion goes for the wheels!)

Better Safe...than sorry.


Bob

[asianisafish]

Depends how hot the brakes are. The surface of the rotor can be hot after just driving but the rest of the rotor can be not 'as hot' to where it would be damaged by water hitting it. But generally wait like 15 minutes after driving so the brakes can cool a bit, they can be hot and if they don't really sizzle and vapor off then it's fine

[AutoApollo]

Thanks for the replies

[Vrtcl]

I avoid spraying water or chemicals on a hot surface as a general rule.

[dcjredline]

I too leave myself time to let the brakes and wheels cool to the touch. If u cant keep your finger on it for more than 15-20 secs its too hot.