What would cause your brake pedal to go hard and your brakes to get very hot and stinky?

Answer 1

"Brake Fade" If you hold your foot on the pedal for a long time, the brake pads and rotors will heat up to the point where they cannot dissipate any more heat energy. At this point, your instinct will be to press harder on the pedal, but alas, there is no additional braking capacity available until the system cools down. There are things you can do to reduce brake fade: 1. "Brake Fade" If you hold your foot on the pedal for a long time, the brake pads and rotors will heat up to the point where they cannot dissipate any more heat energy. At this point, your instinct will be to press harder on the pedal, but alas, there is no additional braking capacity available until the system cools down. There are things you can do to reduce brake fade: 1. Don't drag your brakes. Use the same foot for the accelerator as the brake, and the other foot flat on the floor. NEVER use the other foot to brake. 2. When descending a hill, downshift and use engine braking. Save the brakes for stopping. 3. Develop the attitude that the brakes are for stopping, not slowing down. "Brake Fade" If you hold your foot on the pedal for a long time, the brake pads and rotors will heat up to the point where they cannot dissipate any more heat energy. At this point, your instinct will be to press harder on the pedal, but alas, there is no additional braking capacity available until the system cools down. There are things you can do to reduce brake fade: 1. Don't drag your brakes. Use the same foot for the accelerator as the brake, and the other foot flat on the floor. NEVER use the other foot to brake. 2. When descending a hill, downshift and use engine braking. Save the brakes for stopping. 3. Develop the attitude that the brakes are for stopping, not slowing down.