The brake is an essential component of every automobile. It is an electronic device that’s responsible for the slowing or stopping of a moving vehicle. Every car’s wheel is equipped with two brake systems. However, highly- advanced modern cars are equipped with an extra two-brake system, making it four altogether. This article explains everything you need to know about your car’s braking system. It also explains what you should do when this braking system fails.
The Brake Systems
Here is a breakdown of the four brake systems commonly found in advanced cars;
- Disc Brakes: The disc brake system is commonly found at the front of modern cars. It consists of a brake rotor which is attached straight to the wheel.
- Drum Brakes: Drum brakes were used in older cars and were fixed near the car’s four wheels. This brake system is attached to the wheel’s insides and is located at the car’s rear axle.
- Emergency Brakes: Emergency brakes work independently and are found in highly-advanced modern cars. They are used in emergencies and to keep a vehicle static while parked. Emergency brakes come in different forms. It could be a push button, a stick lever between a passenger and a driver, e.t.c.
- Autonomous Braking System(ABS): This braking system is found in new, advanced cars. It automatically applies the brake if it detects any obstacle(vehicle/pedestrian).
Causes of Car Brake Failure
Weak car brake pads are a significant cause of car brake failure. However, there are other common causes of brake system failure. They include:
Overheating Brake Pads
Aggressive braking and driving can cause your brake to overheat. This makes your brake pads hard and decreases the effectiveness of the wheel rotor disc. Apart from this, a wrongly installed brake pad can also be a reason for brake overheating.
Car Owner Carelessness
This is a common cause of brake malfunction. Many brands always guarantee brake durability. However, this is limited to a standard driving pattern. That is, the lifespan of every brake depends on the owner’s usage. Therefore, drivers need to be aware of this and remember to constantly inspect the brakes.
Hydraulic Fluid Leakage
The leading causes of hydraulic leakage are seal failure, temperature problems, installation errors, hose failure, and pressure problems. If you detect difficulty while stopping your car, you should inspect it immediately for any chance of a hydraulic leak.
Driving in Wet or Muddy Areas
Driving through mud or wet areas would hinder the effectiveness of your rotor discs or brake pad. If you pass through a wet area, gently tap on the brake to remove the stored-up water. This would reduce friction between the brake pad and the rotor discs.
Loss of Hydraulic Brake Fluid Pressure
Loss of hydraulic brake fluid pressure would cause difficulty in stopping your car. If pressure loss occurs, pump the brake pedals continuously to build up pressure again. However, this technique should only be used when needed. Otherwise, it could cause more problems for the brake pedals.
Vehicle Overloading and Damaged Rotor Discs
Overloading your vehicle could affect the potency of your car brakes. They could damage the rotor discs, which in turn, decreases the lifespan of your brake pads.
Signs of a Car Brake Failure
It would help if you observed the various signs your car gives and further inspected it, especially when it comes to car brakes. Doing this will help prevent its total shutdown and avert accidents. Below are some signs of a bad brake;
Offensive Odor from the Brakes
If you detect a burning smell coming from the brake of your car, it’s a sign you have to check your car brakes. The offensive odor could result from burnt components within the brake pads. And not only is this harmful to health, but it causes unwanted friction between the brake pads.
Shrieking Noises
Shrieking and howling noises are signs that the brake pads have been enormously damaged. And the car needs brake pads replacement. Failure to replace them could cause other brake components to malfunction.
Brake Warning Lights
It’s strongly advisable to drive with your car brake warning light on. The reason is it would signal to you if there is a brake failure. If your brake light comes on but your brake fluid levels are normal, keep driving to a repair shop for further inspection.
Shuddering Brake Pedal
If you notice your braking pedal or steering wheel vibrating as you drive, it’s a sign that you must check out your car’s rotor discs. Also, oil, dirt, or other contaminated substance in the car brake could cause your brake pedal to vibrate. Therefore, it would be best to make a habit of cleaning your brakes frequently.
Brake fluid leakage and brake fading
If you notice a leak in the fluid system, it’s a sign that your car brakes might have issues. Another sign is overheating, which could cause a sudden brake fading as you drive.
What To Do When My Car Brake Fails When Driving?
Experiencing a car brake failure can be pretty dangerous. However, when such happens, do these things to prevent accidents or worse scenarios;
Try Not To Panic
Although it might not be easy, try hard not to panic. Panicking could lead you to make a wrong move and worsen the situation. You must be calm, clear your head, and work toward a solution.
Turn On The Hazard Lights
After getting control of yourself, turn on your car’s hazard lights. The hazard light serves as a safety function. And would send a message to other drivers to avoid your car. You can also continuously honk while trying to get to safety.
Continuously Pump The Brake Pedal
If your car brakes are not working, try pumping the pedal at a faster rate. In highly advanced cars, the ABS can help pump the brake faster than the driver. However, if your vehicle doesn’t have the ABS, you must pump both braking systems (disc/drum) on your own. If one responds, you could quickly drive to a parking space.
Utilize The Parking/Hand Brake
Apart from the disc and drum brakes, there is another brake called the parking brakes. It helps you park your car in case of a car brake problem. However, it would help if you used it at slow speeds. This is because increasing the speed could cause your vehicle to spin, resulting in a fatal accident.
Don’t Shut Down The Engine Before Stopping
Ensure that you don’t shut down the engine before stopping your car. Doing this would cause a loss in the engine braking and power steering. It could also cause a lock in the steering wheel.
Leave The Road And Call For Assistance
After parking the car, leave the road safely. However, keep your car hazard light before you alight from the vehicle. Then call for assistance or tow away for repairs.
Conclusion
If you detect any of the signs mentioned, you should inspect your brake and take proper action. If you encounter a sudden brake failure while driving, follow the steps explained above and get to safety. If you need a car brake service, visit us at Acura of Tempe. Our expert and highly-experienced mechanics will ensure your car is fit again for the road.
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