
Car braking system's condition determines the safety of passengers inside the vehicle. Only when it is in a healthy state can it successfully decelerate or even stop the vehicle according to the driver's intention. Therefore, any abnormalities should be repaired immediately. Here are some common abnormalities in the vehicle braking system: 1. If the warning light on the dashboard lights up, it indicates a problem in a certain part of the braking system. You should go to a 4S shop for inspection and repair immediately. Ignoring it and continuing to use the vehicle may lead to unimaginable consequences. 2. After releasing the brake when starting the car, if you notice friction sounds between the brake pads and the brake disc, this is not an abnormal phenomenon. 3. The handbrake cable will lengthen after being used for a period of time, which is also normal. The handbrake cable is composed of multiple metal wires and has a certain degree of elasticity under force. After some time, it will be slightly longer than when the car was new, but this will not affect the parking brake function. 4. Rust on the brake disc may affect its use. The brake disc is mainly made of iron. If the vehicle is not used for a long time, the brake disc will react with oxygen and moisture in the air, causing oxidation, i.e., rust. However, during driving, the rust will be removed through the operation of the braking system, and it will not affect normal use. 5. The brake disc heats up after use. This is because braking is achieved through friction between the brake disc and the brake pads, during which kinetic energy is converted into mechanical energy and heat energy, thus generating some heat.

Last time I drove my car, I encountered brake issues. The pedal felt unusually soft and spongy, which was very concerning. I immediately pulled over to check and found the brake fluid reservoir level had dropped below the warning line – most likely due to a leak somewhere in the system. Looking back, the brakes had been squeaking badly recently, probably because the pads were worn down close to the wear indicators. The most annoying part was the steering wheel shaking violently while driving – a clear sign of warped brake rotors. A reminder to everyone: if you notice longer braking distances or abnormal pedal feel, don’t delay – get it inspected immediately. Also, always pay attention to whether the ABS warning light is illuminated, because if this system fails, the wheels can lock up during emergency braking.

Speaking of brake system issues, I've had my fair share of experiences. Last winter while driving, the brake pedal felt as hard as a rock when pressed. Later inspection revealed a vacuum booster pump leak. The mechanic even showed me the brake pads - the thinnest part was down to just 2mm, with the friction material almost completely worn away. You need to be extra careful during rainy seasons, as water rusting on brake rotors can reduce braking power, especially feeling less responsive for the first few brakes after going through puddles. If you hear metal scraping sounds, that's definitely the brake pad wear indicator telling you it's time for replacement. Regularly changing brake fluid is particularly crucial - its boiling point decreases when it absorbs water, making brake failure more likely during continuous braking.

Brake abnormalities are no joking matter. The most common issue is reduced braking power due to worn brake pads, at which point the brake discs may already have deep grooves. If the steering wheel shakes violently during braking, it's likely caused by warped brake discs. Additionally, leaking brake lines can result in a longer pedal travel, making the pedal feel soft and lacking in pressure. When the pedal becomes extremely hard to press, it may indicate a faulty vacuum booster. These malfunctions can range from simply increasing stopping distance to complete brake failure. If any abnormalities are detected, it's best to seek repairs immediately - never compromise on safety.

The scariest experience I've had was when the brakes suddenly became soft, nearly causing a rear-end collision. Later, troubleshooting revealed that the aging seal of the brake master cylinder was causing internal leakage of brake fluid. When inspecting the braking system, pay attention to these points: listen for any sharp abnormal noises when applying the brakes, as this is a warning signal from the brake pads; after parking, feel the temperature of the wheel hubs—if one wheel is particularly hot, it may indicate a seized caliper; count the clicks when pulling up the handbrake—if it's less than 7 clicks, it's time to tighten it. After repairing the brakes, it's best to test them several times on a safe stretch of road to ensure the ABS activates properly during emergency braking. Remember, if coolant mixes with brake fluid, it can completely destroy braking performance.

As an experienced driver, I know that most braking abnormalities stem from these issues: Worn brake pads reduce braking force, and the wear indicator emits a sharp squeal; uneven brake discs cause severe steering wheel vibration during braking; if the hydraulic system leaks, the brake pedal will feel unusually soft and keep sinking; an increased handbrake lever travel indicates improper rear brake adjustment. Pay special attention to the brake fluid condition - expired fluid absorbs moisture, lowering its boiling point and making it prone to vapor lock failure during continuous braking. It's essential to inspect the braking system every 30,000 km, and any abnormal vibrations or noises must be addressed immediately.


