What are the signs before brake failure?
2 Answers
Signs before brake failure include: 1. A feeling of weakness when stepping on the brake, where no matter how hard you press, the braking force feels insufficient; 2. The vehicle pulls to one side when braking, caused by uneven force distribution between the left and right brake pads, where the wheel on the faster side stops first, causing the steering wheel to turn; 3. The brake pedal feels softer when pressed; 4. Unusual noises, often sharp metal friction sounds, occur when braking, due to the brake pads wearing thin and the backing plate rubbing against the brake disc; 5. The brake pedal does not return to its original position after being pressed and feels without resistance during pressing, which is usually caused by a lack of brake fluid or oil leakage from the brake caliper and pipelines.
I've been driving for over twenty years and have seen many small warning signs before brake failure. The most common is when the brake pedal feels spongy and has a longer travel distance, almost like stepping on air, which may indicate a hydraulic system leak or air bubbles in the brake fluid. Also, hearing a squeaky metal grinding noise means the brake pads are worn thin and signaling a warning. Additionally, if the car pulls to one side when braking and the steering wheel can't control it, it's likely an issue with the caliper or wheel cylinder. If the brake light comes on for no reason, don't delay—get it checked immediately. When these signs appear, I immediately pull over and call a tow truck to take the car to the repair shop. Regularly changing brake fluid and pads is key to prevention. I get maintenance done every six months to avoid accidents on the road. Safety comes first—don't take risks to save money or effort.