How to Check if There Are Problems with the Brakes?
2 Answers
Methods to check if there are problems with the brakes: 1. Brake pedal vibration: This is caused by excessive wear or unevenness of the brake discs, requiring resurfacing or replacement at a 4S shop or auto repair shop; 2. Steering wheel deflection when braking with hands off: This indicates uneven force distribution between the left and right brake calipers on the brake pads; 3. Soft brakes upon starting the car, with normal braking force appearing after a while: Disc brakes convert kinetic energy into heat through friction between the brake pads and discs, driven by hydraulic pressure from the engine. If this occurs, it may indicate a loss of pressure in the transmission lines, requiring immediate inspection; 4. Perceived reduction in braking performance: The main components affecting braking performance are the master cylinder and wheel cylinders. Issues such as pump failure, oil leakage, worn brake pads or discs, or air entering the brake lines can cause the brakes to feel soft or even fail. If the brake pedal height slightly increases and feels elastic during consecutive braking, it suggests air has entered the brake lines.
When it comes to checking brake issues, as an ordinary car owner, I often perform inspections myself. First, listen for sounds when braking: sharp scraping noises or low humming could indicate worn brake pads or foreign objects stuck in them. Then, check if the brake warning light on the dashboard is illuminated. After parking, crouch down and look through the wheel rim gaps to inspect the brake pad thickness—if they're as thin as a sheet of paper, they need replacing. Feel the brake pedal: if it's too soft with excessive travel or too hard to press, it might be due to hydraulic system leaks or air ingress. It's best to find a safe open area to test brake performance—accelerate to low speed and perform an emergency stop to see if the car stops quickly and without pulling to one side. If you notice these issues, don't risk driving further; head to a repair shop immediately. Remember, clean the wheel rim dust during regular car washes to reduce brake dust buildup, which can help prevent problems.
