What are the causes of poor braking performance?
2 Answers
Poor braking performance can be attributed to the following reasons: 1. Lack of necessary maintenance in the braking system, leading to excessive impurities in the master cylinder, poor sealing, failure of the vacuum booster pump, or contaminated brake fluid; 2. Improper operation causing mechanical failure, such as prolonged braking during downhill driving resulting in brake function failure; 3. Severe overloading, which increases the vehicle's motion inertia under gravitational acceleration, leading to poor braking performance. Proper functioning of the braking system is fundamental to safe driving. Regular maintenance is essential in daily use. Brake discs and brake pads are wear-prone components and should be replaced promptly when severely worn. Brake discs have a longer service life but need replacement when they are heavily worn.
I've experienced situations where the brakes didn't work well, and I've summarized several reasons. First, insufficient or contaminated brake fluid, where water mixing in lowers the boiling point, resulting in spongy brakes. Second, severely worn brake pads—once they're worn flat, braking becomes ineffective, especially worse in older cars driven frequently. Third, leaks in the braking system, such as small cracks in the pipes or loose connections, causing fluid to leak out. Fourth, warped brake discs or drums, where uneven surfaces lead to shaky and weak braking. Additionally, ABS system malfunctions, where dirty or faulty sensors become more noticeable in rainy weather. During my own maintenance, I overlooked lubrication points, causing parts to seize. I recommend car owners check fluid levels every three months and test braking distances before highway driving. Safety is no small matter—regularly replacing fluids and pads can prevent most issues.
