What causes poor car braking performance?
2 Answers
Poor car braking performance can be caused by: 1. Excessive free travel of the brake pedal; 2. Insufficient or no brake fluid in the master cylinder reservoir; 3. Air entering the brake lines or vaporization of brake fluid causing vapor lock; 4. Deterioration or wear of the master cylinder or wheel cylinder cups leading to poor sealing; 5. Clogged oil inlet holes of the master cylinder or vent holes of the reservoir; 6. Leaking outlet or return valves of the master cylinder. Braking, also known as deceleration, refers to the action of stopping or reducing the speed of moving locomotives, vehicles, other transport tools, or machinery. Its working principle involves fixing a wheel or disc on the machine's high-speed shaft and installing corresponding brake shoes, bands, or discs on the machine base to generate braking torque under external force.
I've encountered several instances of poor braking performance in my car. The most common issue is excessively worn brake pads, which make the pedal feel spongy when pressed. During my last maintenance check, the mechanic warned me that the rear brake pads were down to just 2mm. After replacing them, the pedal feel immediately improved. Deteriorated brake fluid also has a significant impact - when it contains too much water, bubbles can form, leading to longer pedal travel. There are also situations where the brake caliper seizes or leaks oil. A friend at the tire shop explained this causes insufficient braking force on one side, making the car prone to pulling during emergency stops. I recommend having a mechanic check brake pad thickness every 40,000 kilometers, and brake fluid must be replaced every two years. The iron dust buildup inside the wheel hubs also needs regular cleaning, as excessive accumulation reduces braking efficiency.
