What are the reasons for sudden failure of car throttle and brakes?
4 Answers
The reasons for sudden failure of car throttle and brakes are as follows: 1. Too much debris in the brake master cylinder, poor sealing, failure of the vacuum booster pump, dirty brake fluid or mixed use of several types of brake fluid causing air resistance after heating, leakage in the brake master cylinder or wheel cylinder, leakage in the air storage tank or pipeline interface; 2. Improper operation leading to mechanical failure; 3. Severe overload, which increases the vehicle's motion inertia under the effect of gravitational acceleration, directly causing brake failure. Preventive measures: Do not neglect daily maintenance of the brake system. To prevent brake failure, timely maintenance of the braking system and regular inspections are necessary. Frequently check whether the brake shoes are intact, and avoid excessive use of brakes. When going downhill, shift to a low gear and use the engine's braking to control the car's movement, with the foot brake as a supplement. Avoid severe overload to prevent brake failure.
After driving for so many years, encountering this situation is truly frightening. Simultaneous failure of the accelerator and brake can stem from several causes: a leak in the hydraulic lines of the braking system, which leads to a loss of pressure if the brake fluid is completely drained; the accelerator cable getting stuck or a sensor malfunctioning, preventing signal transmission. Additionally, most modern cars have electronic throttles—if the computer module fails, the accelerator may become unresponsive, and the ABS pump in the braking system could also fail, resulting in no response when the brake is pressed. If this happens while driving, immediately shift to neutral, engage the handbrake to slow down, and pull over safely—safety comes first. Don’t delay; promptly visit a professional repair shop to inspect the braking system, fuel lines, and electronic control unit. Regular maintenance is crucial—for example, changing the brake fluid every six months can reduce such risks. I’ve learned the hard way; neglecting timely repairs can lead to serious consequences.
As an ordinary car owner, I've encountered similar issues with my vehicle. That time, it was a combination of brake failure and unresponsive throttle, primarily due to improper maintenance: the brake fluid level was too low, and clogged pipelines affected the hydraulic pressure; excessive carbon buildup in the throttle area jammed the moving parts, rendering the throttle pedal immobile. Additionally, if the engine's vacuum booster pump fails, it can simultaneously impact the pressure transmission for both brakes and throttle. It's advisable to routinely check pedal responsiveness before driving—don't wait for an accident to happen. If you do encounter such a situation, stabilize the steering wheel, downshift to decelerate, and gradually stop using the handbrake, remembering not to jerk the steering wheel abruptly. During maintenance, don't skimp on small expenses; regularly cleaning the throttle body can prevent throttle sticking, avoiding both frustration and danger.
Modern car throttle and brake failures are often caused by electronic issues. For example, ECU control unit bugs or sensor false alarms can lead to system misjudgment, resulting in throttle failure; short circuits in the brake system wiring can make the brake pedal unresponsive. A simple engine restart may sometimes resolve software glitches. If such issues are detected, immediately pull over and turn off the engine for safety.
