What are the reasons for ineffective braking when reversing?
2 Answers
Reasons for ineffective braking when reversing: Excessive wear of brake pads: Brake pads have a service life. Once they are excessively worn, they should be replaced in time. 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. Deterioration of brake fluid: Brake fluid, commonly known as brake oil, absorbs moisture from the air during long-term use, which lowers its boiling point. When the boiling point drops significantly, it can affect the vehicle's braking performance, resulting in ineffective braking. Therefore, brake fluid needs to be replaced regularly. Newly replaced brake pads: Newly replaced brake pads have not yet properly broken in with the vehicle, so they may initially cause ineffective braking. New brake pads also require a certain break-in period to maximize their braking effectiveness.
I've noticed that after driving for a while, it's quite common to encounter situations where the brakes don't hold when reversing. First, it could be that the brake pads are worn too thin, resulting in insufficient friction. Also, if the brake fluid is leaking or contaminated, the system pressure is insufficient, and there's no response when pressing the pedal while reversing. Another time, I almost hit a pillar in the parking lot, and after checking, I found out that air had entered the brake lines, requiring bleeding. Poor tire grip, especially on slippery roads, can also make the brakes ineffective when reversing due to tire slippage. In such cases, it's best to stop the car immediately and not move it, then tow it to a professional shop for inspection. Regularly checking the thickness of the brake pads and the condition of the fluids during maintenance can prevent major troubles. After all, safety comes first—don't wait until an accident happens to regret it.