What are the causes of brake failure in sedans?
3 Answers
The causes of brake failure in sedans are: 1. Lack of necessary maintenance on the braking system, excessive impurities in the brake master cylinder, poor sealing, failure of the vacuum booster pump, excessively dirty brake fluid or mixing different types of brake fluid leading to vapor lock when heated, leakage in the brake master cylinder or wheel cylinders, leakage in the air reservoir or pipe connections; 2. Mechanical failure due to improper operation, prolonged downhill driving causing the brake pads to overheat, carbonization of the brake drums, and complete loss of braking function; 3. Severe overloading, which increases the vehicle's momentum due to gravitational acceleration, preventing the brakes from functioning promptly.
I've personally experienced brake failure. That time on the highway, suddenly stepping on the pedal got no response, my heart almost jumped out. Later I learned there are quite a few reasons - most commonly insufficient or leaking brake fluid causing air bubbles in the system, making the pedal feel spongy; or brake pads worn too thin or unevenly, directly affecting braking power. Don't forget ABS system malfunctions can also cause brake issues. External factors like wet/slippery roads in rain/snow with poor tire grip can worsen the problem. Since then, I've made it a habit to check fluid levels and pad thickness monthly to ensure safe driving. Prevention is key - don't wait for accidents to act. Regular maintenance is crucial; changing fluids and pads is worth the effort.
As a novice who loves tinkering, I encountered brake issues during my first DIY car repair. Possible causes of brake failure include insufficient hydraulic pressure, aging and cracked pipelines leading to fluid leakage, or severely worn brake discs reaching their limit. ABS malfunction is also a common factor that can affect the overall system response. My personal advice is to inspect immediately if you notice the pedal feeling unusually hard or soft. Regular maintenance, such as changing fluids and inspecting components every 5,000 kilometers, can significantly reduce risks. For safe driving, brake early to avoid emergencies, especially slowing down in rainy weather. Saving a bit on maintenance isn't worth it—the consequences of a single failure can be too severe. Develop good habits, like performing a simple pedal feedback test before driving every day.
