How To Handle Brake Failure and Its Causes

The stop function of the car is a very important to the car for its safety and that of the passengers. Whether your vehicle is equipped with disc or drum brakes, you expect them to work when you hit the brake pedal.

Causes of Brake Failure

Functioning brakes stop a vehicle by using friction. In this way, they are unlike the engine, which must always be kept lubricated to run smoothly. In front brakes, friction stops the brake callipers and pads. In rear brakes, friction hits the brake drums and shoes.

·         Grease or oil on brakes causes brake failure, because it interferes with friction. If oil leaks, it may indicate that an oil seal has failed.

·         When the brakes overheat to a great degree, the metal in the brake rotors or drums develops hard spots. These are known as hot spots. The hot spots resist the friction from the brake shoes and pads. Because the shoes or pads have nothing they can grasp, there's no friction. Consequently, braking power is lost.

·         Brakes that squeal indicate that the brake pads are wearing thin. By the time the brakes begin making a grinding sound, they've worn down past the pads to the rotors, which will cost more than pads to replace.

Signs of Brake Failure

Inspect brake pads and shoes annually and replace them if they are worn. Change the brake fluid every 48,000 miles, every four years, or during regular brake servicing.

·         The anti-lock brake system light comes on.

·         When accelerating, you feel a lot of drag.

·         The brake pedal pulses when you brake.

·         You hear clicking, grinding, or squeaking when you apply the brake.

·          The car grabs, or pulls to one side

Danger Caused by a bad break

If the brake system is failing, the vehicle may pull to one side. This situation can cause accidents that range from fender-benders to serious collisions. You might also feel pulling if there's been a leak of brake fluid, if the brakes aren't adjusted properly or if the brake has locked.

The most apparent danger in brake failure is the possibility of injury or death. As a result, it is important to wear a seat belt and to be certain that guidelines for infant and child car seats are met to ensure safety. Don't forget to be alert to and aware of pedestrians on or near the roadway.

Another concern is property damage. This includes the vehicle itself but also trees, power lines, highway signs and telephone poles. Damage to private or public property will need to be compensated, which can affect your auto insurance premium.

How to Handle Brake Failure

Complete brake failure in modern vehicles is rare, but it can happen. This can be the result of a defective brake system from the manufacturer, so pay attention to recall notices. Total brake failure could also occur if all the brake fluid has leaked out. Fortunately, most of us would notice either a leak or a sound before that happened.

One common temporary brake failure occurs when the vehicle hydroplanes. This happens when the brakes are wet, usually after driving through a deep puddle. If you experience this, remove your foot from the accelerator. Hold the steering wheel straight. Do not swerve or jerk the vehicle. This way, the vehicle will slow down and you can regain control of the car

Remain Calm - Perhaps the most important action a driver can take when the brakes fail is to remain calm. Panicking doesn't help.

Lift Foot off accelerator -  the first action step is to lift the foot from the accelerator. Notice the flow of traffic and any obstacles or pedestrians, and look for a place to pull over safely.

Down shift to a lower gear - This is called engine-braking. Whether your vehicle is an automatic or a standard. As the vehicle slows down, keep shifting to lower gears.

Use the Parking brake - Once the vehicle is moving at 30 mph or less, you can try engaging the parking brake. Because it is a separate system from the regular brakes, it should still work.

Put car in reverse -  this should only be done in last resort as it could destroy the car, so never use it as a first response.

Try to maneuver the car off the road if possible as you come to a complete stop. Turn your hazards on and call or wait for help.

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