Brake failure leads to hundreds of fatal car accidents every year. It can be avoided if the driver regularly notice the language of brakes. What! brakes talk to us?
Brakes speak in their own way, they screech, click, creak and grind. You can defeat this serious problem if you regularly maintain the vehicle. It also depends on how attentive you remain to fetch any change in the performance.
Brake Failure: Root Causes
We shall try to find out major causes of brake failure and effective ways to stay safe.
1. Leakage of Hydraulic Fluids
Brake lines have hydraulic fluids which build pressure to operate. Leakage compromises this pressure, required to hold the brakes effectually.
How to Prevent
- Always use recommended grade of brake oil.
- See user manual for brake oil change interval.
- Brake lines suffer corrosion on outerside due to dust, debris and water during wash. Inspect these regularly and use anti rust substance.
- Regular inspection of brake master cylinder is mandatory.
2. Overloading
It decreases braking capacity. After a certain limit drivers can’t apply more pressure on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle on time.
How to Prevent Brake Failure
- Don’t put load on your vehicle more than recommended by manufacturer.
- You must apply brakes in a way to maintain sufficient heat dissipation.
3. Driving Through Standing Water
When wheels of your car are partially submerged in water. It lubricates the brake pads and disks which reduces friction and ultimately brake failure.
How to avoid
- Slightly tap the brakes to take away surplus water. It will restore the right friction between your car’s brake pads and disks.
4. Overheating Leads to Brake Failure
Brake pads have specially induced friction for braking. When brakes overheat, surfaces of rotor disk and brake pads become smooth. This is technically known as glazing. It ends up capacity of braking.
How to Prevent Brake Failure Due to Overheating?
- Drive smoothly and steadily, not aggressively.
- Perform engine braking by downshifting, instead of going instantly to brake pedal.
5. Worn Brake Pads
Every time you press brake pedal, it does wear and tear of brake pads. It increases braking distance. Worn brake pads may also leads to uneven tire wear.
Must Read: Tire Hazards: How to Stay Safe on the Road
How to Avoid
- Always maintain safe distance from the vehicle next to you. It will reduce the use of brake.
- Improve driving habits, instead of harsh braking and sudden stops.
- If possible, must use cruise control.
Distribution of Contributing Factors Leading to Road Accidents in Great Britain in 2020
6. Lifespan of Brake Pads and Disk
Once the driver don’t find satisfactory performance and notice unusual sounds while braking, he must replace rotor disks and brake pads. It is due to neglect of owner.
Brake Failure: How to prevent in this situation?
- First and foremost, replace the brake pads and disks.
- If not in a situation at the spot, brake intermittently. This will reduce the burdon on brakes.
7. Poor Wheel Bearing: Brake Failure
In case of poor wheel bearing piston moves away from the rotor disks. When you press brake pedal, piston have to move more distance. Vehicle brakes can slip or you may experience slow braking.
How to Ensure Safety from Brake Failure
- You must replace faulty or poor bearing immediately.
- It will not only effect braking also it can un-evenly wear your brake pads and disks.
