Why Do Cars Experience Brake Failure?
2 Answers
Brake system lacks maintenance, with excessive impurities in the brake master cylinder. Vehicle overload leading to brake failure. Improper operation causing mechanical failure, such as prolonged downhill braking. Excessive free travel of the brake pedal or excessive clearance in the brake assembly, poor contact of brake shoe friction linings, severe wear or oil contamination. Additional relevant information is as follows: 1. Symptoms of automotive brake failure include excessive brake pedal travel, delayed braking response, significantly reduced or complete loss of braking effectiveness, and increased stopping distance. When pressing the brake pedal, it feels neither soft nor sinking, but braking performance remains poor - this indicates wheel brake assembly issues such as oil-contaminated brake shoes, poor contact, aged friction linings, excessive wear, or uneven brake drum wear. In such cases, the braking system's technical condition should be inspected and adjusted/repaired when necessary. 2. When experiencing brake failure on regular roads, maintain control of steering, shift the transmission into first gear while observing surroundings. If conditions permit, change lanes to avoid obstacles ahead. If lane changing isn't feasible, never force it. If first gear doesn't sufficiently reduce speed, repeatedly apply and release the parking brake to further decrease vehicle speed.
After driving for so many years, I've encountered situations where the brakes failed, and there are actually quite a few reasons for this. The most common one is when the brake pads are worn too thin; if they're not replaced for a long time, stepping on the pedal might not elicit any response at all. Additionally, if the brake fluid leaks or if low-quality fluid is used, allowing air to enter the system, it can also cause the pedal to feel spongy. I've also come across a friend's car where the brake caliper seized up, directly locking the wheel. Modified cars require extra caution; haphazardly altering the brake line routing can easily lead to leaks. Regular maintenance really shouldn't be skimped on, especially after driving in the rain—rust on the brake discs needs to be addressed promptly. If you ever feel that the brakes aren't working right while driving, quickly find a safe place to stop and check, and never force yourself to keep driving.