What Causes Weak Braking When Applying the Brakes?
2 Answers
Possible reasons for weak braking include excessively worn brake pads, insufficient brake fluid, or clogged brake fluid lines. If you experience weak braking while driving, it is important to stop and inspect the vehicle promptly to prevent potential safety hazards. Excessively Worn Brake Pads: Brake pads are the most critical component of a car's braking system. When they become excessively worn, symptoms such as weak braking, longer braking distances, or even brake failure may occur, significantly increasing driving risks. Therefore, when a vehicle has been driven for 60,000 kilometers or the brake pad thickness has worn down to below 6mm, they should be replaced immediately. Insufficient Brake Fluid: If there is insufficient brake fluid, the brake calipers cannot function properly, leading to brake system failure or weak braking. In such cases, it is essential to replace the brake fluid with the manufacturer-recommended fluid to avoid quality issues. Clogged Brake Fluid Lines: When the brake fluid lines are clogged, brake fluid cannot be properly delivered to the brake pump, causing abnormal operation of the braking system. In this situation, the brake fluid lines should be cleaned promptly.
A while ago, I also experienced spongy brakes while driving and nearly had an accident at an intersection. After inspection, I found that the brake pads were worn too thin, reducing friction strength. Additionally, the brake fluid might have been leaking or degraded, causing insufficient hydraulic pressure and weakened braking force. Furthermore, if the brake booster fails, it loses vacuum assistance, making the pedal harder to press. Severely worn tires or low tire pressure can also reduce grip, leading to poor braking performance. More complex issues like air in the brake lines or hydraulic system leaks can further impair braking effectiveness. Don’t underestimate this—get it fixed immediately! Otherwise, you might not stop in time during an emergency. I recommend checking fluid levels and brake pad thickness during regular maintenance—it’s affordable and offers peace of mind. If it happens on the road, slow down and seek a professional inspection.
