What Are the Reasons for Insensitive Braking?
3 Answers
There are several reasons for insensitive braking, including severe wear of brake pads and discs, significant tire wear, and abnormal brake fluid. Brakes are a crucial component during driving, and any issues should be promptly addressed to ensure personal safety. Below is a detailed analysis of the causes of insensitive braking: Brake Pads and Discs Issues: Wear on the brake pads and discs leads to thinning of their thickness. For example, in disc brakes, the caliper continuously clamps the brake disc for braking. Over time, friction causes the surfaces of the caliper and brake disc to become thinner, resulting in a longer brake pedal travel. Solution: Replace the brake pads and discs promptly. Tire Wear Issues: The lifespan of tires is generally around 60,000 kilometers. As tires near the end of their lifespan, their treads become significantly worn, reaching the wear indicators in the tire grooves. Long-term friction also reduces the adhesion between the tires and the road, leading to longer braking distances. Solution: Replace the tires promptly. Brake Fluid Issues: Most vehicles use hydraulic braking systems, which require brake fluid to pressurize and transmit braking force to the brake pads. When the brake pads apply strong pressure to the brake discs, high temperatures are generated. These high temperatures are then conducted through the brake pads and brake calipers to the brake fluid. Under such high temperatures, moisture can evaporate and vaporize, causing the brake pedal to feel softer. Solution: Replace or top up the brake fluid promptly.
Yesterday while driving, I felt the brakes were soft and unresponsive, which worried me a lot. I figured that common causes of unresponsive brakes include excessive wear on the brake pads—over time, the pads thin out, reducing friction. There could also be issues with the brake fluid, such as low levels, leaks, or air bubbles getting in, which disrupts pressure transmission. Additionally, warped or rusted brake rotors might be the culprit, caused by overheating or moisture leading to uneven surfaces. Although rare, ABS system malfunctions could also affect normal braking. Another possibility is insufficient tire grip due to aging or improper inflation, reducing friction. I once experienced delayed braking on the highway, but fortunately, I managed to pull over in time. A later inspection revealed low hydraulic pressure. I recommend paying attention to unusual noises or changes in pedal feel and regularly changing the fluid and checking pad thickness. Safety comes first—don’t underestimate maintenance.
With over a decade of driving experience, I've encountered several instances of brake failure, which mostly boil down to a few key points: severely worn brake pads, especially during frequent city stop-and-go driving—once they're worn down, they must be replaced; poor-quality or leaking brake fluid, where dirty fluid or air bubbles reduce braking force; overheated and warped discs or drums, common on mountain roads or during sudden braking, as inadequate cooling affects performance; aging or corroded brake lines with loose connections causing air leaks; and ABS sensor issues that may interfere with braking. I remember last winter when frozen brake fluid caused soft brakes, nearly leading to an accident—fortunately, I replaced the fluid in time. It's crucial to develop good habits: listen to your car’s sounds, feel the pedal response, and immediately inspect any abnormalities. Don’t skimp on inspection costs—lives are at stake.
