Why Can't the Car Brakes Stop the Vehicle?
3 Answers
Car brakes may fail to stop the vehicle due to the following reasons: worn brake pads, air in the brake fluid, deteriorated brake fluid, leaking brake fluid lines, stuck or non-returning brake calipers, worn master cylinder seals or leaking connections, and malfunctioning ABS pump. If such a situation occurs, it is recommended to immediately inspect and address the issue at a repair shop. Methods to prevent excessive brake pad wear: 1. Reduce speed in advance when descending steep slopes, use appropriate gears, and employ engine braking in combination with the braking system to effectively reduce the burden on the braking system and avoid overheating. 2. Avoid turning off the engine while descending slopes. Most cars are equipped with brake vacuum boosters; once the engine is turned off, the brake booster not only fails to assist but also creates significant resistance for the master cylinder, greatly increasing the braking distance.
I've been driving for over ten years, and the most common reason for brakes not working properly is still improper daily use. When the brake pads are excessively worn and the friction layer is worn out, it's easy to slip and fail to stop. Another issue is insufficient or leaking brake fluid, or aging pipelines with gaps, leading to insufficient pressure. Additionally, on rainy days, the road is slippery, and tire grip is poor, so when you hit the brakes, the car might slide forward. I experienced this once on the highway—when slowing down, the brakes felt soft, and upon checking, I found brake fluid leaking everywhere. This is really dangerous. I recommend developing the habit of regularly replacing brake pads and checking fluid levels and pipelines at least once a year—don't wait until an accident happens to regret it. Also, avoid slamming on the brakes too often to prevent overheating and failure. Safety first!
I've dealt with many vehicle malfunctions, and brakes failing to stop is often a mechanical component issue. The brake disc surface is uneven or too thin, causing unstable friction. The caliper piston gets stuck and can't push, affecting force adjustment. When brake fluid deteriorates and mixes with air or moisture, it causes delayed hydraulic system response. When the ABS system malfunctions, signal distortion occurs, reducing braking effectiveness by half. This requires professional tools for detection, such as checking if wheel speed sensors are dirty. Remind everyone to pay attention to shock absorber system maintenance, as excessive vehicle jolting accelerates part damage. Every 10,000 kilometers driven, you should get the car inspected in a pit, fix problems promptly, and never delay until a roadside breakdown occurs.