January 28, 2025

How to Get Rid of Rust on Tesla Brakes

As an owner of a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y, you’ve probably noticed that rust can quickly develop on Tesla brakes. This happens because Tesla doesn’t use its brakes during normal braking but instead relies on regenerative braking.

In our post about Tesla Regenerative Braking, we delve deeper into this topic. However, it’s important to know that while energy recovery is great for efficiency, it’s not ideal for the brakes. This is because the brakes are rarely used.

You can’t disable regenerative braking on a Tesla, making it harder to “burn off” the rust that accumulates on all vehicle brakes. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the topic and show you how to deal with rust on Tesla brakes.

Key Benefits

Electric vehicles like Tesla use mechanical brakes less frequently, which can lead to rust.
Regular targeted braking and cleaning help prevent rust buildup.
Severe rust can impair braking performance and jeopardize your TÜV inspection.
Using brake care products can help prevent rust.

Why Tesla Brakes Rust

Rust on brakes isn’t a new issue and isn’t unique to Tesla. Rust can form on all brakes, but in everyday use, it’s typically worn away through regular braking. This brings us to the core of the problem: electric vehicles like Tesla primarily rely on regenerative braking.

This means mechanical brakes are used less frequently. Instead, kinetic energy is converted into electricity via the electric motor, much like a bicycle dynamo powered by the rotation of the wheel. This reduced use of the brakes makes it easier for rust to form on Tesla’s brake discs.

How to Identify Rust on Tesla Brakes

Before taking action, it’s important to recognize the signs of rust:

A squeaking noise when braking
Uneven braking performance
Visible rust on the discs

If you notice these symptoms, you should act to avoid bigger issues.

The Impact of Rust on Tesla Brakes

Rust on Tesla brakes can significantly affect their performance. If the brakes are heavily rusted, braking efficiency may decrease, endangering road safety. Rust can also damage brake components, leading to expensive repairs. Reduced braking performance means longer stopping distances and a higher risk of accidents. Therefore, it’s important to identify and address rust early to ensure your vehicle’s safety.

How to Prevent Rust on Tesla Brakes

There are several ways to prevent rust on Tesla brakes. Regular use of the brakes, especially on highways, can help reduce rust buildup. Additionally, routine maintenance and inspections of the brakes—particularly after winter driving—are essential. Washing your vehicle regularly is also crucial to remove moisture and salt deposits that promote rust. For example, cleaning the brakes thoroughly after driving on salted roads can minimize salt exposure and prevent rust.

How to Remove Rust from Tesla Brakes

Active Braking

Since Tesla uses regenerative braking, you should occasionally brake actively to put more demand on the mechanical brakes. This can help remove rust from the brake discs. Make sure to brake hard during these sessions, but ensure no one is behind you, and that you’re not endangering anyone.

Tip: Take a short drive once a week where you deliberately use the mechanical brakes.

Disabling Regenerative Braking on Tesla

While regenerative braking on Tesla can’t be easily disabled, there are two scenarios where it’s automatically turned off. One of these is during extremely cold weather to prevent slipping in winter.

The other scenario can be triggered intentionally. Simply charge your Tesla above 90-95%, and you’ll see a green symbol on the left side of the screen indicating that regenerative braking is disabled. This allows you to free the brakes mechanically.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular cleaning is essential to remove salt, dirt, and deposits that promote rust. Pay special attention to cleaning the brakes thoroughly after contact with road salt, especially during winter.

Using Brake Care Products

There are special products available that can help prevent rust. Consult a trusted workshop for recommendations on brake protection products.

How Rust on Brakes Affects TÜV

Rust on the brakes can cause your vehicle to fail the TÜV inspection. The TÜV places great emphasis on the proper functioning and safety of the braking system. If rust impairs efficiency or weakens the structure, passing the inspection will be difficult.

What to Do Before the TÜV Inspection?

Before going for the TÜV inspection, ensure:

That the brakes don’t make squeaking noises
That rust has been removed as much as possible

An early visit to a workshop can identify and fix potential issues before they become significant.

Conclusion

Rust on Tesla brakes is unavoidable, and excessive rust buildup can impair braking performance. With the tips outlined above, you can ensure your Tesla stays in top condition and avoid issues during the TÜV inspection. Regular maintenance, deliberate braking, and the use of suitable care products are key to prevention.

Stay vigilant and ensure your brakes not only pass TÜV but also keep you safe on the road.