What causes brake dust and how to reduce it

Brake dust can be a real nuisance, especially for motorists who like to keep their rims looking clean and shiny. But apart from detracting from a vehicle’s appearance, excessive brake dust can cause more serious issues.

Simply explained, brake dust is the combination of friction material from brake pads as well as the iron particles from the surface of the rotors, that’s shed during the heat build-up and friction developed through braking applications. These microscopic particles accumulate over time, presenting as a dark coloured film on rims as well as calipers and other braking and suspension components.

Along with resulting in unsightly dirty and dull rims (which can take considerable elbow grease to clean), brake dust can cause other problems. Metallic brake dust is corrosive in nature and can etch into the surface of the rim – especially alloy wheels – causing damage. Brake dust can potentially also discolour tyres.

Accumulation of brake dust on rotors and inside brake drums may also lead to braking performance issues, as the build-up can cause uneven braking surfaces which may result in vibration and noise.

Excessive brake dust could be a sign that there is an issue with the braking system. Sticking calipers or sliding pins can result in brake drag, which happens when the pads don’t properly retract after the brake pedal has been released, and this causes more brake dust than normal.

Choosing the right brake pads makes a big difference when trying to minimise brake dust. Friction material manufacturers such as Bendix invest heavily in developing and testing dust reducing compounds in their brake pads. Through its specially selected compounds, Bendix ceramic pads including General CT, 4WD/SUV, Ultimate 4WD Ultimate+ and Euro+ ranges, offer superior low dust performance.

To find which of Bendix’s products will help you prevent dust build up, explore our low-dust brake pad range.

Brake dust is not the end of your wheels, and thankfully is relatively easy to clean.

To help motorists keep their wheels looking as clean as the day they rolled off the assembly line, Bendix has two specialist cleaning products.

• Bendix Cleanup – Brake & Parts Cleaner (For Rims and Brake Components)
• Bendix Shine – Tyre & Trim Care (For Tyres and Plastic Components)

Cleaning brake dust from your rims with Cleanup

Bendix Cleanup is a powerful solvent-based cleaner that removes brake dust, grease, and grime from rims, brake calipers, and other metal parts.

Steps to Use Bendix Cleanup:


1. Ensure Proper Ventilation
   Use it in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors or in an open garage.

   
   
2. Prepare the Wheels
   If possible, rinse the rims with water to remove loose dirt.

   
   
3. Apply Bendix Cleanup
   Spray generously onto the brake components, rims, or any affected area.

   
   
4. Let It Work
   Allow the product to break down the brake dust and grime for about 1-2 minutes.

   
   
5. Scrub if Necessary
   For stubborn dirt, use a soft-bristle brush or microfibre cloth to agitate the grime.

   
   
6. Rinse or Wipe Clean
   Use a clean cloth or hose down the area with water if necessary.

   
   
7. Repeat if Needed
   If the brake dust is heavily built up, a second application may be required.
   

Cleaning brake dust from your tyres with Shine

Bendix Shine is a conditioning product designed to restore the deep black appearance of tyres and protect plastic trim from UV damage.

Steps to Use Bendix Shine:


Ensure the Tyres Are Clean
Before applying, make sure the tyres are free from heavy dirt and grime (you can use Bendix Cleanup or soapy water first).

1. Ensure the tyres are clean
   Before applying, make sure the tyres are free from heavy dirt and grime (you can use Bendix Cleanup or soapy water first).
   
   
2. Dry the Surface
   Ensure the tyres are completely dry before applying Bendix Shine.

   
   
3. Apply the product
   Spray Bendix Shine directly onto the tyres or onto a microfibre cloth/applicator pad.

   
   
4. Spread evenly
   Wipe or spread the product around the tyre walls to ensure even coverage.

   
   
5. Let It dry
   Allow the product to sit for a few minutes and absorb into the rubber.

   
   
6. Buff off excess
   If you prefer a more matte finish, lightly buff the tyres with a dry microfibre cloth.