What Are the Reasons for a Car's Brake Failure?
3 Answers
Car brake failure can be attributed to the following reasons: 1. Lack of necessary maintenance in the braking system, excessive impurities in the brake master cylinder, poor sealing, or failure of the vacuum booster pump; 2. Brake fluid being too dirty or mixing different types of brake fluid, leading to vapor lock when heated and causing brake failure; 3. Leakage in the brake master cylinder or wheel cylinder, or air leakage in the air reservoir and pipeline connections, resulting in brake failure; 4. Mechanical failure due to improper operation, such as prolonged downhill driving causing the brake pads to overheat, the brake drums to carbonize, and the braking function to completely fail; 5. Severe overloading, which increases the vehicle's momentum under the effect of gravitational acceleration, directly leading to brake failure.
Brake failure is really nerve-wracking, especially while driving. I've encountered this situation several times, usually due to excessively worn brake pads. If you've driven tens of thousands of kilometers without replacement, the pads become extremely thin, resulting in significantly reduced braking power. It could also be a brake fluid issue - low fluid level or leakage makes the pedal feel spongy and weak. Another common cause is air in the brake system, requiring bleeding to remove air bubbles. If the ABS malfunctions, stopping becomes even harder on slippery roads. I recommend regularly checking brake pad thickness and fluid levels. If you notice anything unusual, immediately slow down and pull over to inspect - safety first. Don't skimp on brake maintenance to avoid major accidents.
As a frequent driver, I believe there are many causes of brake failure. Brake pads and discs are the core components, and prolonged friction can reduce their effectiveness; aging, contamination, or leakage of brake fluid directly affects the hydraulic system; insufficient tire pressure or severe wear can also increase braking distance. Additionally, excessive vehicle load or prolonged downhill braking can lead to overheating and failure. I recommend paying attention to the feel of the brake pedal while driving—if it feels soft or responds sluggishly, address it immediately. It's best to visit a professional shop to use tools to check the system's sealing and fluid quality, and replace worn parts promptly to extend brake life. Identifying issues early can save a lot of trouble.