Why Do Cars Experience Brake Failure?
4 Answers
Causes of brake failure: 1. Lack of necessary maintenance in the braking system, leading to excessive impurities in the brake master cylinder, poor sealing, failure of the vacuum booster pump, or contaminated brake fluid; 2. Severe overloading, which increases the vehicle's inertia due to gravitational acceleration; 3. Use of inferior brake fluid. Methods to deal with brake failure: 1. Slow down immediately upon detecting the problem; 2. Activate the vehicle's hazard warning lights to avoid harming others; 3. Continuously press the brake pedal to check if the car can regain braking function and gradually pull up the handbrake to slow the car down; 4. Use contact with nearby structures, railings, or large trees to bring the vehicle to a stop.
Brake failure is no small matter. I've encountered several situations, the most common being brake fluid leakage. If you notice the brake pedal feels unusually soft or completely unresponsive, it could be due to a ruptured brake hose or loose connection, leading to insufficient hydraulic pressure and total system failure. Another possibility is air entering the brake lines, creating bubbles in the hydraulic system and significantly reducing braking effectiveness. A major issue is excessively worn brake pads, especially in older vehicles. After certain mileage, the pads thin out, causing insufficient friction and potential skidding. External factors like overheated brake discs during continuous downhill driving can also be dangerous – when the metal turns red-hot, the friction coefficient drops sharply, making the car feel unstoppable. I recommend checking brake fluid levels and pad thickness during every maintenance service. If any abnormality is detected, visit a repair shop immediately – never compromise on safety.
Brake failure is quite dangerous. I've noticed that many times it's due to issues with the hydraulic system. For instance, if the brake fluid level is too low—possibly caused by leaking brake lines or aging seals—the brake pressure drops, making the brakes feel spongy or even fail completely. Another common issue is air getting trapped in the lines, which often happens if the system isn't properly bled after a brake fluid change. Small component failures can also be problematic, like a faulty brake booster, which makes the pedal unusually stiff and unresponsive. External factors play a role too—standing water on rainy roads can cause slippage between the brake discs and pads, reducing grip. When driving, I regularly check the dashboard warning lights, especially the brake system indicator, and immediately inspect the fluid level if it lights up. It's best not to wait for an emergency—monthly brake checks can catch minor issues early and prevent major trouble.
There are many reasons for brake failure. I believe the most critical issue to prevent is overheating, especially during long downhill drives or when carrying heavy loads. Continuous braking can cause the system temperature to soar, leading to brake pads becoming slippery and failing to function properly, which is known as brake fade. Another common cause is severe wear; rusted or warped brake discs can significantly reduce friction effectiveness. It's advisable to avoid the habit of sudden braking and, when necessary, use lower gears to slow down and relieve pressure on the system. Regular maintenance can greatly reduce these risks.
