Myth or fact: can washing wheels warp brake discs?

Brake discs are a crucial component of the braking system, directly impacting driving safety. Among drivers, there’s a common belief that contact between hot brake discs and cold water – for example, during wheel washing or driving through puddles – can lead to them warping. Is this true, or just another automotive myth? Let’s find out!

In the article:
Thermal shock and brake discs
Can washing wheels damage discs?
Real causes of warped brake discs
How to care for brake discs

In the world of automotive, there are many facts, and from time to time, legends about failures that happened to someone are repeated, so surely it will happen again the second time. Are brake discs really such a sensitive component in a car?

Myth or fact: can washing wheels warp brake discs?

Thermal shock and brake discs

One of the arguments for the possibility of brake discs warping is so-called thermal shock. Theoretically, sudden cooling of a hot disc with cold water could lead to its deformation. However, in practice, this is unlikely.

For actual damage to occur, the discs would have to be extremely hot, and the contact with water – intense and prolonged. Meanwhile, even during dynamic driving, the temperature of the discs does not reach values that would cause momentary contact with water to result in deformation. What’s more, water from puddles most often splashes to the sides, not cooling the discs evenly. Additionally, the contact of liquid with a hot surface often leads to its rapid evaporation.

Can washing wheels damage discs?

Washing wheels at a car wash, especially immediately after driving, raises similar concerns. We reassure you: the risk of discs warping in such conditions is minimal. After the vehicle stops, the discs quickly lose heat, and the water used during washing, even under pressure, does not cause such rapid cooling that it could affect their structure. It is worth realizing that the water in car washes most often has a temperature of at least a dozen degrees Celsius. Therefore, the risk of sudden cooling of the brake disc is practically non-existent.

Real causes of warped brake discs

Instead of worrying about washing wheels, it is worth paying attention to the actual causes of brake disc deformation:

Improper installation – if the discs are not installed correctly and the hub has not been thoroughly cleaned, uneven wear and subsequent loss of parallelism can occur.
Worn or low-quality brake pads – cheap, low-quality pads can cause uneven wear on the discs, leading to their deformation.
Problems with brake calipers – seized or damaged calipers can keep the pads in constant contact with the disc, causing it to overheat and deform.
Unbalanced wheels – vibrations generated by poorly balanced wheels can contribute to the warping of brake discs over time.

How to care for brake discs

To ensure that the discs last as long as possible and maintain their properties, it is worth following a few rules:

Regular inspections – check the condition of the discs, pads, and calipers to avoid more serious problems.
Avoiding sudden temperature changes – although washing wheels is not dangerous, do not direct a stream of cold water directly at hot discs.
High-quality parts – invest in proven discs and pads from reputable manufacturers.
Proper installation – entrust brake servicing to professionals who will ensure proper disc seating and balancing.

The claim that washing wheels or driving through puddles leads to warped brake discs is an automotive myth. The actual causes of deformation mainly result from improper operation, low-quality parts, and installation errors. By taking care of regular inspections and following the manufacturer’s recommendations, you can enjoy an efficient braking system for a long time. Remember to choose to purchase car parts from reputable manufacturers such as Rotinger. This way, any problems with the braking system will be a thing of the past.

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Myth or fact: can washing wheels warp brake discs?