Is it normal to feel a decrease in braking power after rain or washing the vehicle?

2025-11-09 15:58:16

Yes, this is a brief and mild characteristic of disc brakes known as "water fade." It occurs because a thin film of water forms on the surface of the brake rotor and pads, temporarily reducing the friction coefficient. However, compared to drum brakes, the open design of air disc brakes offers significant advantages:

• Rapid Water Dispersion and Recovery: The rotating brake rotor uses centrifugal force to quickly shed water, while the brake pads act like wipers to scrape the water film away.

• Quick Heat Recovery: Typically, just one or two gentle brake applications are enough for the heat generated by friction to evaporate any remaining moisture, fully restoring normal braking power. If the braking performance does not return after this, it could indicate excessively worn or contaminated brake pads, necessitating inspection and maintenance.