What Are the Reasons for Ineffective Braking?
2 Answers
The reasons for ineffective braking: 1. Excessive wear of brake pads: Brake pads have a service life. Once they are excessively worn, they should be replaced promptly. Otherwise, it can easily lead to ineffective braking and may also affect the brake discs. In severe cases, it can cause damage to the braking system. 2. Deterioration of brake fluid: Over time, brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air, which lowers its inherent boiling point. When the boiling point drops significantly, it can affect the vehicle's braking performance, resulting in ineffective braking. 3. Driving too fast in rainy conditions: In rainy weather, a layer of water film forms on the tires, which can slightly reduce their braking performance. If you drive at high speeds under these conditions, ineffective braking may occur. 4. Newly replaced brake pads: Newly installed brake pads have not yet been properly broken in with the vehicle.
I have over a decade of driving experience. That time when driving on the highway in the rain, I noticed the braking wasn't very effective when I pressed the brake pedal, almost causing a rear-end collision. After stopping to check, I found the brake fluid level was low due to a small leak in the system, which over time had reduced the fluid and affected braking power. Another common issue is excessive wear on the brake pads; once the metal layer is worn through, friction decreases, requiring new pads. Sometimes, air gets into the brake system, making the pedal feel spongy, necessitating a bleed. Wet roads or shallow tire tread can also cause slipping and reduce braking effectiveness. It's advisable to regularly check the condition of the brake fluid and pad thickness, not waiting until an accident occurs to pay attention. Make it a habit to have a technician inspect the brakes during every maintenance session—safety first to avoid accidents.
