What are the causes of automotive brake failure?
3 Answers
Automotive brake failure can be caused by: lack of maintenance in the braking system, excessive impurities in the brake master cylinder, vehicle overload leading to brake failure, improper operation causing mechanical failure, prolonged downhill braking, excessive free travel of the brake pedal or excessive brake clearance, poor contact of the brake shoe friction lining, severe wear or oil contamination. Symptoms of automotive brake failure include: excessive brake pedal travel, delayed braking response, significantly reduced or lost braking effectiveness, increased braking distance. When the brake pedal is pressed, it doesn't feel soft or sink, but the braking effect is poor. This phenomenon indicates a wheel brake issue, such as oil contamination or poor contact of the brake shoe, aging or worn friction lining, uneven wear of the brake drum. In such cases, the brake system's technical condition should be inspected, and adjustments or repairs should be made if necessary.
That time when I was driving, the brakes suddenly didn't respond, and it almost scared me to death! There could be many reasons: the brake fluid might have leaked or was insufficient, causing not enough pressure to brake; the brake pads might have worn down to just metal, making them slippery and unresponsive when stepped on; the brake lines might have aged, cracked, or had small holes, causing hydraulic fluid to leak and the system to lose pressure; or air might have entered the brake lines, forming bubbles and reducing pressure. More seriously, the master cylinder might have failed or the wheel cylinders might have seized, preventing oil from being pushed, rendering the brakes completely useless. I later learned that long-term neglect of maintenance was the main cause, like forgetting to change the fluid or not checking the lines. In a real emergency, you can only rely on the handbrake to stop the car and pull over to call for help. The braking system is a lifeline—you must check the fluid level and wear every month. Safety first!
I've encountered cases of brake failure during car repairs, mostly due to hydraulic system issues. Leaks in the brake lines lower the fluid pressure, making the brakes feel spongy. If the master cylinder's seals are damaged, it can't build normal pressure. Stuck calipers also reduce braking force. Brake fluid that's been used for too many years absorbs moisture, becoming viscous and corroding metal components, leading to air bubbles and blockages. If the ABS module malfunctions or the wheel speed sensors get dirty and send false data, the computer may get confused and stop outputting braking force. Regular maintenance is key—change the fluid within two years, tighten pipe connections to prevent leaks, and if the brake pedal feels soft or doesn't respond when pressed hard, pull over immediately to check the fluid level.
