What to Do When the Brakes Suddenly Fail?

[MacEliza]

First, don't panic. If it's a manual transmission, you can forcefully downshift the gear directly to second gear, then release the accelerator. At this point, the car will feel like it's braking sharply. Seize this opportunity to press the clutch, shift to first gear, and turn off the ignition. This will allow the car to come to a gradual stop. Below are some relevant details about brake maintenance: 1. Brake fluid, like other lubricants, has a shelf life. For safety reasons, it is recommended to replace the brake fluid every two years. During use, brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air, which lowers its boiling point from 260°C to 150°C. Lower-quality brake fluids experience a more severe drop in boiling point over the same period. 2. The friction between the brake pads and the brake disc (or drum) generates braking force. This high-speed friction can produce temperatures as high as 800°C. The high temperature quickly transfers from the brake pads to the brake fluid. If the brake fluid boils due to high temperature during braking, it can reduce or eliminate braking force, leading to brake failure and potential danger. 3. Therefore, when testing the boiling point of brake fluid, if it is below 180°C in the master cylinder or below 150°C in the wheel cylinder, the brake fluid is considered degraded and must be replaced. Enhancing driving safety and reducing the occurrence of traffic accidents is a crucial aspect of brake system maintenance.