What to Do When the Braking System Malfunctions?
4 Answers
Solutions for braking system malfunctions: 1. If you notice that the brake pedal does not rise when pressed and there is no resistance, check if the brake fluid is low and top it up promptly. It could also be due to a malfunction in the brake wheel cylinder, pipelines, or connectors, which requires repair. 2. If the braking effect is poor when the brake pedal is pressed all the way down or during continuous braking, it indicates the presence of air in the braking system, necessitating bleeding. 3. If the pedal position is very low and does not rise after being pressed, and it feels stiff, this is caused by a blockage in the master cylinder, which needs to be cleared.
Last time I drove, I noticed something was off with the brakes, so I quickly pulled over to an empty spot. The first thing I noticed was a metallic scraping sound whenever I pressed the brake pedal. Later, I found out the brake pads were worn down and had even scored the brake discs. Remember to check the brake fluid reservoir—if the level is alarmingly low, it’s likely a leak, and you can’t just top it off; you’ll need to find the leak. After the car cools down, feel the temperature of all four wheel hubs. If one is unusually hot, the brake caliper in that wheel might be stuck. Ignoring these issues will only lead to bigger problems, so it’s best to contact a repair shop the same day—never keep driving. As a rule of thumb, replace the brake pads every 8,000 kilometers, and during maintenance, ask the mechanic to scan the brake system for error codes with a diagnostic tool for peace of mind.
Over the years, I've encountered all sorts of brake issues. If the pedal suddenly feels soft like stepping on cotton when you brake, it's likely due to a leaking brake line or air in the system. If the pedal is unusually hard, it's usually because the vacuum booster hose has come loose or the vacuum valve is clogged. Older cars often have issues with the brake pad backing plate retaining springs rusting and seizing, causing a loud roaring noise when driving. Always check if the brake warning light on the dashboard is on and inspect the wheel spokes for any oil stains. You can top up the brake fluid in an emergency, but ultimately, the car needs to be lifted on a hoist for a thorough inspection—after all, a tiny crack in the brake line fitting is often invisible to the naked eye.
Safety is no trivial matter. If you notice any brake abnormalities, immediately turn on the hazard lights and pull over to the right. If lightly tapping the brakes twice yields no response, directly shift to a lower gear and use the handbrake to slow down. After stopping, first check the tire temperature—the wheel that's scalding hot is definitely the one with issues. Open the cap of the brake fluid reservoir in the engine bay and take a look; if the fluid is black like soy sauce, it can't be used anymore. Never attempt to bleed the air or disassemble parts yourself—there have been cases where owners changed their brake fluid but didn't fully remove air bubbles, leading to brake failure. Calling for a tow truck is the safest option. Have a professional shop use a pressure tester to check the brake caliper's oil pressure—you really can't cut corners when it comes to safety.
