What are the effects of water entering the brake system?
2 Answers
The impact of water entering the brake system is that it can cause brake lag, leading to vehicle deviation during braking and potential accidents. Below is an introduction about brakes: Introduction: As the name suggests, it is a mechanical braking device that can slow down the vehicle, also known as a decelerator. Function: The car brake pedal is located below the steering wheel. Pressing the brake pedal causes the brake lever linkage to be pressurized and transmitted to the brake shoes on the brake drum, which then clamp the brake disc to slow down or stop the vehicle. Category: The manual brake in a car is located next to the gear shift and is connected to the brake lever. Common types also include bicycle brakes, which rely on rod-shaped brakes fixed to the frame or disc-mounted caliper brakes to slow down.
As someone who has worked in car repair for many years, I've encountered numerous cases of water entering the brake system. Once water gets into the brake system, the most immediate issue is that it mixes with the brake fluid, lowering the fluid's boiling point. As a result, when you brake hard, the heat generated by the brake discs can cause the water to boil instantly, forming steam bubbles. The consequence? You'll notice the brake pedal feels soft and weak, significantly reducing braking power. This can happen especially after driving through water in rainy weather or when water splashes in during car washing. Over time, the water can also corrode the pistons in the brake calipers or the connections in the brake lines, leading to seizing or fluid leaks. In severe cases, the entire system can fail, requiring major repairs. I've seen many car owners in the garage ignore this issue, only to spend a fortune on replacement parts later. A reminder to everyone: after driving through water, gently pump the brakes a few times before driving to evaporate the moisture with heat. Regularly check the condition of your brake fluid—if it looks cloudy or discolored, take it to a professional shop for a fluid change. Safe driving comes first; small issues shouldn't be overlooked.