What Causes Car Brake Failure?
4 Answers
Here are the reasons for brake failure: 1. Insufficient brake fluid in the vehicle's engine compartment. 2. Loose brake fluid pipes in the vehicle. 3. Damaged brake fluid reservoir. Below are measures for dealing with car brake failure: 1. Repeatedly press the brake pedal: This can restore pressure in the brake system, allowing it to return to normal. 2. Use the parking brake to assist in deceleration: This mainly applies to vehicles with a hand lever-type parking brake. Using the parking brake to assist in deceleration is a more challenging operation. On one hand, it requires maintaining stable vehicle direction, and on the other hand, when pulling the parking brake handle, it should not be fully engaged but rather pulled up slowly and steadily.
Having driven for over a decade, I've encountered brake failures mostly due to insufficient or leaking brake fluid, which leads to inadequate pressure in the hydraulic system. Another common cause is excessively worn brake pads; when they're too thin, the braking force weakens. Issues with the power assist system, such as a faulty vacuum pump, can make the brake pedal feel unusually hard. Additionally, blocked or ruptured brake lines prevent fluid from flowing properly. Malfunctioning ABS sensors or other electronic components can also cause failure, especially dangerous when skidding on wet roads. Don’t overlook routine maintenance—regularly check fluid levels and brake pad thickness, typically every two years or 10,000 kilometers. Neglecting these can lead to accidents; a friend rear-ended another car last month because of this. Safety comes first.
That time when my car's brakes failed was really terrifying. The reason was that I delayed replacing the brake pads, which were worn down to the bone. Sometimes it's also due to contaminated or aged brake fluid, which becomes thick and doesn't flow properly. A leaking booster pump can also make the brakes heavy and unresponsive. If there's a short circuit, the warning light on the dashboard might come on as a reminder. It's important to pay attention to any unusual brake noises or a soft pedal and get it fixed immediately. I've developed a habit of quickly checking the fluid level every month to avoid being caught off guard in an emergency. If the brakes fail, gently pulling the handbrake to slow down is the safest option.
Brake failure is no small matter and is often caused by issues with the entire braking system. For example, brake fluid leakage leads to a sudden drop in pressure; overheated and warped brake discs result in insufficient friction. Faults in the electronic control system, such as ABS module failure, can cause the loss of anti-lock braking function during emergency stops. Blocked pipelines or air entering the system also make braking difficult. Poor maintenance is the primary cause, such as neglecting to check for fluid contamination or pad wear. If this happens, immediately pull over and turn on hazard lights. Prevention is better than regret—get a professional inspection every six months, especially before the rainy season to avoid hydroplaning risks. Safety is paramount—don’t gamble with your life.
