How to Avoid Brake Failure in Cars?
2 Answers
Pay attention to the maintenance and care of the brake system. Regularly inspect components such as the brake pedal, brake discs and pads, and the brake vacuum booster pump. Below are the causes of brake failure and their solutions: 1. Causes of brake failure include mechanical failure due to improper operation, such as prolonged downhill driving causing brake pads to overheat, brake drum carbonization, and complete loss of braking function; severe overloading, which increases the vehicle's momentum due to gravitational acceleration, directly leading to brake failure; lack of regular brake system maintenance, where excessive impurities in the brake pump, poor sealing, or severe contamination of brake fluid can cause issues like brake pump oil leakage or air leaks in the air reservoir or pipe connections when the system heats up, resulting in brake failure. 2. When inspecting the brake pads, also check the wear on the brake discs or drums, and regularly inspect and replace the brake fluid. Brake system maintenance must be performed by specialized maintenance personnel, strictly adhering to the required standards.
I've been driving for 20 years and know how terrifying brake failure can be. To prevent it, the key is to develop regular inspections and good driving habits. First, regular maintenance: every six months or every 10,000 kilometers, have a professional mechanic check the braking system, including brake pad thickness—replace them if they're too thin, generally below 3mm is high risk; also check brake fluid level and color—if it's yellow or has impurities, change it every two years, as moisture absorption reduces hydraulic effectiveness. Second, driving habits: avoid sudden braking, especially in urban traffic—ease off the throttle early to coast and slow down; don't use neutral gear downhill—shift to a lower gear for engine braking to reduce brake load. Additionally, pay attention to pedal feel: the brake pedal should feel firm and responsive—if it's spongy or sinks, there might be a fluid leak or air in the lines, so get it checked immediately. I always keep a basic toolkit in the garage and visually inspect the brake discs and calipers monthly for rust or abnormal wear. Don’t overlook weight control either—overloading increases brake stress. In short, these small details add up to significantly reduce the risk of failure—don’t wait for an accident to take action.