What Causes Brake Failure?
3 Answers
The reasons for automobile brake failure are as follows: 1. Lack of necessary maintenance for the braking system: excessive impurities in the brake pump, poor sealing, vacuum power pump failure, brake oil being too dirty or mixing multiple types of brake oil causing resistance to heat, leakage in the brake pump or sub-pump, or air leakage in the air reservoir or pipeline connections. 2. Severe overloading: under the effect of gravitational acceleration, the vehicle's motion inertia increases, directly leading to brake failure. 3. Improper operation causing mechanical failure: such as prolonged downhill driving causing the brake pads to overheat from friction, carbonization of the brake drum, and complete loss of braking function.
As a veteran driver with over 30 years of experience, I've experienced the terrifying moment of brake failure. That time on the highway, the car nearly had an accident when it surged forward uncontrollably, and it turned out the brake pads were worn too thin. There are quite a few reasons for brake failure, such as insufficient or leaking brake fluid, which can make the pedal feel soft and unresponsive. Another issue is blocked pipelines, preventing fluid flow; a faulty master cylinder failing to deliver pressure; or an erratic ABS system causing loss of control. I regularly replace brake fluid and inspect pipelines as preventive measures. Remember, test your brakes before driving—if the pedal feels hard, air might have entered the system. In case of failure, use the handbrake to slow down and pull over gradually, avoiding sharp turns. Regular maintenance ensures peace of mind and safety.
When repairing cars, I often deal with brake issues. Brake failure mainly occurs due to several fault points. If the brake fluid is low or leaking, pressure cannot build up; a worn or damaged master cylinder cannot transmit commands effectively; rusted, clogged, or leaking brake lines obstruct the hydraulic flow; and faulty ABS sensors can cause the computer to make incorrect interventions. Additionally, excessively worn or stuck brake pads or discs result in poor friction. I recommend checking the fluid level and system integrity during every maintenance session—don’t wait until an accident happens to fix it. If the brakes fail while driving, keep the steering wheel steady and use engine braking by downshifting. Avoid frequent hard braking in daily driving, as it accelerates wear.
