Very Hot Brake Rotors

[Chad T]

Also you've got a lot a variables that can cause you to see steam at the car wash. Outside temp, water temp etc. Ever see steam when you breathe in cold weather?

[BayAreaKid]

It sounds normal if you put cold water on brake pads.

Also, do not go through ANY car wash. It is always better to wash your car at home. Those brushes in the car wash only slap your vehicle with crud leaving you with swirls, scratches etc.

[DZeckhausen]

The reason they are so hot is because they are tiny. At 262x21mm and only 12 pounds each, it doesn't take much to get these rotors very hot. After a stop, you're temporarily storing all the kinetic energy of the vehicle as thermal energy in some very small "storage" containers. (the rotors)

Now if you could install some Dodge Ram SRT-10 rotors, then you could probably touch them with your hands after a 5 minute drive! The SRT-10 rotors are 380x36mm and 40 pounds each. Of course, your acceleration would be even worse than it is and the ride and handling would be affected.

[binaryh4x]

Originally Posted by Chad T

Also you've got a lot a variables that can cause you to see steam at the car wash. Outside temp, water temp etc. Ever see steam when you breathe in cold weather?

Only when my lung is dragging.

[JFit317]

my Fit had the problem too, but...I was also mobbing the hell outta it.

[DZeckhausen]

I did an experiment yesterday, since the Fit was dirty and I ran out of time to wash it, since we had guests coming over for a BBQ. So I took it to the local (good) carwash. When the spray hit the front wheels, steam came billowing out.

I hereby declare this event - Normal!