What Causes Hardening of Car Brakes?
2 Answers
Reasons for hardening of car brakes: 1. Failure of the vacuum booster. In this case, it is necessary to promptly inspect and repair the car's brake vacuum booster pump to prevent potential safety hazards during driving; 2. Severe wear of brake pads, lack of brake fluid, or failure of the brake pedal spring. When problems occur in the car's braking system, it is essential to immediately visit a repair shop or 4S store for professional inspection and repair to enhance driving safety. Car brakes are a crucial component of the vehicle's safety system, and regular maintenance is vital during daily use. Generally, the thickness of brake pads is about 10mm, and they should be replaced when worn down to below 6mm. Typically, brake pads have a service life of 50,000 kilometers, so timely inspection and replacement are necessary.
I recently experienced the issue of brakes becoming stiff, and there could be several potential causes. The most common one is a failure in the vacuum booster system, such as a vacuum hose leak or a booster malfunction, which makes the brake pedal harder to press. This usually happens due to aging hoses cracking or seal failures. Another possibility is insufficient or contaminated brake fluid, affecting the hydraulic system and making the pedal feel less responsive. I remember one time while driving, pressing the pedal required extreme effort, and I almost rear-ended another car. Later, at the repair shop, they found a cracked vacuum hose—replacing it fixed the issue. Safety-wise, this situation is highly dangerous as it could lead to brake failure. So, if you notice this, immediately slow down, pull over, and seek professional repair. Regular maintenance checks on vacuum hoses and brake fluid can prevent such issues. Don’t cut corners on these small things—the cost of neglect can be much higher.