Why does the car only stop when the brake is fully pressed?

[JosephMarie]

The reasons why the car only stops when the brake is fully pressed are: 1. Excessive gap between the brake pads and brake drum; 2. Air in the brake master cylinder; 3. Worn brake pads, deteriorated brake fluid, or leaking brake fluid lines; 4. Sticking brake caliper not returning, worn master cylinder seals causing air leaks, or malfunctioning ABS pump. Braking techniques include: 1. Releasing the brake slightly before the car comes to a complete stop, as holding the brake continuously can cause a strong impact when the car stops. The technique is to release the brake once before the car fully stops, then gently press the brake again until the car comes to a halt; 2. When braking during a turn, pressing the brake while steering can cause the car to lose balance. It is advisable to reduce speed adequately by braking before entering the turn.

[OliveAnn]

As someone who works with cars year-round, I find it quite common to have to press the brake pedal all the way down to stop, with the main issues stemming from an aging brake system. Worn brake pads require greater pressure for friction, resulting in longer travel; insufficient brake fluid or air bubbles weaken hydraulic pressure transmission, making the pedal feel spongy; master cylinder leaks are another culprit, causing overall system pressure deficiency. Don’t forget, shallow tire treads can also reduce braking effectiveness, but the focus remains on brake system issues. I recall a friend nearly rear-ending someone due to this—a potentially dangerous outcome. Regular checks are advised: replace brake pads if thickness falls below 3mm; change brake fluid every two years or 40,000km; if pedal travel feels abnormal, visit a professional shop immediately. Keeping brakes responsive is crucial for safe driving.

[Kendra]

From my daily driving experience, I've noticed that I have to press the brake pedal all the way down to stop the car, which feels quite unsettling. This could mean your brake pads are severely worn. When the pads are thin, the contact area is reduced, requiring more force to generate sufficient friction. If the brake fluid is old or contains air bubbles, it can also cause the pedal to sink, making it feel like stepping on cotton. Additionally, leaks in the master cylinder or brake lines can reduce system pressure, leading to sluggish response. Once, I neglected this issue and nearly hit a guardrail while turning. When you have time, check the brake fluid reservoir level—it should be at the upper limit line. Also, inspect the pedal travel; it shouldn't exceed half its depth. Avoid sudden braking in daily driving to reduce brake pad wear, and ensure your tires are properly inflated. These small measures can prevent major troubles.

[LaNoah]

When the brakes only work when fully depressed, my first thought is an issue with the braking system: excessively worn brake pads requiring more pressure due to insufficient thickness; low brake fluid or air intrusion weakening hydraulic pressure; or faulty master cylinders or calipers impairing force transmission. These can delay response and increase accident risks. My experience shows timely action is crucial: first, test the brake pedal free play—slow rebound means inspection is needed. More professionally, check if the brake fluid boiling point is normal. During maintenance, inspect the system every six months to prevent major issues.