Reasons for the Brake Pedal Becoming Hard in Rainy Weather
2 Answers
The brake pedal becomes hard in rainy weather due to the automatic assistance provided by the vehicle's computer. Below are the functions of the brake pedal becoming hard in rainy weather: 1. When high air humidity is detected on rainy days, the system provides an outdoor temperature alert. A snowflake symbol indicates slippery road conditions, prompting the driver to drive at a low speed. 2. When the brake is pressed, the vehicle's computer follows preset programs to prevent extended braking distances on slippery roads by making the pedal harder, thereby assisting in braking and reducing accidents caused by sudden braking in rainy conditions. Below is additional information about braking: 1. Braking, also known as deceleration, refers to the action of stopping or reducing the speed of moving vehicles, locomotives, or other transportation machinery. 2. The principle of braking involves fixing a wheel or disc on the high-speed shaft of the machine and installing corresponding brake pads, bands, or discs on the frame to generate braking torque under external force. 3. The braking device is a mechanical deceleration system, also known as a retarder. 4. The car's brake pedal is located below the steering wheel. Pressing the brake pedal activates the brake linkage, which transmits pressure to the brake pads on the brake drum, clamping the brake disc to slow down or stop the vehicle.
I remember driving during last year's rainy season when I encountered a heavy downpour. Suddenly, the brake pedal felt as hard as a rock, completely different from usual. Later, I asked a mechanic and learned that the brake booster system relies on the engine's vacuum pressure to function. During rainy days, if water gets sucked into the intake manifold or vacuum lines, it reduces the vacuum level, causing the booster to fail. Without the booster's assistance, the pedal naturally becomes harder. In such cases, you can still brake, but you need to press much harder. It's recommended to slow down and pull over as soon as possible to check for any leaks or aging in the vacuum lines. Regular maintenance of the vacuum line seals, especially before the rainy season, can effectively prevent such scary moments.
