* Rotor failure: Excessive heat can warp, crack, or even shatter the rotor. This can lead to loss of braking power and a dangerous accident.
* Brake pad failure: Heat also damages brake pads, reducing their effectiveness and potentially causing them to fail completely.
* Wheel bearing damage: The intense heat can damage wheel bearings, leading to further mechanical failure and potentially a loss of control of your vehicle.
* Fire: In severe cases, the extreme heat can ignite brake components or nearby materials, resulting in a vehicle fire.
If you notice a hot rotor (you can usually tell by the smell, and sometimes by seeing glowing red), pull over immediately to a safe location, turn off the engine, and do not attempt to drive further until the problem is diagnosed and fixed by a qualified mechanic. The cause could be something as simple as a seized caliper, but it needs professional attention.
