A brake that overheats enough can catch on fire. It can spread to involve the entire vehicle if uncontrolled.
Brake fires can affect:
(1) tractor trailers
(2) cars
(3) airplanes
Risk factors:
(1) presence of something combustible such as excess grease
(2) high environmental temperatures (hot before braking started)
(3) continuous brake application as in long mountain descent, with no chance to cool
(4) problem with brake setting causing brake to be partially engaged while driving
(5) failure to follow manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance
Overheated brakes that have not caught on fire can cause severe skin burns.
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Specialty: Emergency Medicine, Critical Care
