Why Do Toyota Cars Have Soft Brakes?
2 Answers
Toyota cars have soft brakes primarily because braking systems are categorized into linear and non-linear braking. The so-called 'soft brakes' refer to non-linear braking, meaning the force applied to the brake pedal is not directly proportional to the actual braking effect, requiring deeper pedal depression to achieve the desired braking performance. The braking system consists of a vacuum booster pump, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake pads, and brake discs. Brake maintenance methods include: 1. High-temperature protection to prevent corrosion of the braking system, avoid brake pad seizure due to high temperatures, and eliminate brake squeal; 2. Cleaning brake discs, drums, and any components from oil stains, dirt, and friction dust to maintain optimal disc cooling; 3. Regularly replacing brake fluid; 4. Periodically checking the thickness of brake pads or shoes.
I've encountered many cases of soft brakes, primarily due to Toyota's comfort-oriented design philosophy. They configure the brake pedal with slightly longer travel and more progressive force application to avoid the jerky feeling of sudden stops, which proves highly practical in urban traffic congestion. However, other potential causes include aged or aerated brake fluid reducing hydraulic efficiency, excessively worn brake pads requiring prompt replacement, or malfunctioning vacuum boosters. I recommend owners first check the brake fluid level and color – if it appears black or foamy, replace it immediately. Biannual routine maintenance effectively prevents issue escalation. While Toyotas are renowned for reliability, any brake abnormality should take priority – don't wait for safety risks to emerge. Regularly testing brake response with specialized tools is also crucial to ensure system integrity.