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How to Deal with a Car's Brake Failure: Simple Tips That Could Prove Vital Should the Worse Happen
Tuesday, 01 December 2009 08:36 | Written by Magnus Bosserent |
Unless you need to replace your brakes because of wear there should not be any problems with coming to a safe stop when you need to. The existence of the newer calliper brakes instead of the old fashioned drum type ensures that you can feel comfortable behind the wheel. Tyres also contribute to your ability to come to a stop in an effective manner. There can be times though when your brakes could falter and you should understand what to do if the brakes fail.
Unless you need to replace your brakes because of wear there should not be any problems with coming to a safe stop when you need to. The existence of the newer calliper brakes instead of the old fashioned drum type ensures that you can feel comfortable behind the wheel. Tyres also contribute to your ability to come to a stop in an effective manner. There can be times though when your brakes could falter and you should understand what to do if the brakes fail.
1. Bringing The Car to a Safe Stop When the Brakes Are Spongy
The first type of braking problem is caused by a hydraulic leak within the braking system. Your brakes work by brake fluid being compressed when you press down on the brake pedal, which transfers this force to the brake callipers. In turn this squeezes the brake pads onto the brake disc which creates friction and slows the wheels down. The need to keep the brake fluid under pressure when the brakes are applied means that it is held in a closed loop system, so in normal conditions none of the fluid can leak out.
Occasional however, a small leak can occur, which allows the brake fluid to escape and the brake pressure will be reduced. Normally, this can be felt by a soft or spongy brake pedal and the brakes do not work as effectively as you expect.
If the pedal is sponge like you will need to pump the pedal. The action of pumping the brake pedal allows pressure to build up in the system to allow for a safe stop. After you have stopped the car it is imperative to have the brakes checked by a qualified professional. A lack of inspection could result in complete failure of the brakes.
2. What To Do if Your Brakes Fade and How To Keep it From Happening
Brake fade occurs when the brakes have overheated and lose some of their stopping potential. In normal driving conditions you are unlikely to experience brake fade, however it can occur after repeatedly heavy braking from high speed, or during frequent braking on a long down hill section. Both scenarios will cause your brakes to heat up significantly and could even lead to the brake fluid boiling.
The issue with hot brakes is not lasting. The system can be returned to normal with a stop by the side of the road to allow the mechanism to cool. In downhill situations staying in a lower gear also helps slow the vehicle on the descent, without overuse of the brakes.
3. Options You Have For When Brakes Fail Completely
If you are confronted with total brake failure you need to pump the pedal to see if you can get back some brake pressure. This works to help you stop, but just as importantly lets drivers behind you know that you are trying to stop your car. As fast as you can change gears descending to a lower gear, you will also want to apply the handbrake in an effort to come to a complete stop.
If you are unable to slow the car down sufficiently and are faced with an imminent crash, try to keep a cool ahead and look to drive into an obstacle that will gently absorb the crash forces. To that end it is far better to crash into a parked car or a brick wall, which will stop you relatively gently, as opposed to a tree or lamp post which will stop you instantly and is more likely to leave you with significant injuries.
by MagnusBosserent
Unless you need to replace your brakes because of wear there should not be any problems with coming to a safe stop when you need to. The existence of the newer calliper brakes instead of the old fashioned drum type ensures that you can feel comfortable behind the wheel. Tyres also contribute to your ability to come to a stop in an effective manner. There can be times though when your brakes could falter and you should understand what to do if the brakes fail.
1. Bringing The Car to a Safe Stop When the Brakes Are Spongy
The first type of braking problem is caused by a hydraulic leak within the braking system. Your brakes work by brake fluid being compressed when you press down on the brake pedal, which transfers this force to the brake callipers. In turn this squeezes the brake pads onto the brake disc which creates friction and slows the wheels down. The need to keep the brake fluid under pressure when the brakes are applied means that it is held in a closed loop system, so in normal conditions none of the fluid can leak out.
Occasional however, a small leak can occur, which allows the brake fluid to escape and the brake pressure will be reduced. Normally, this can be felt by a soft or spongy brake pedal and the brakes do not work as effectively as you expect.
If the pedal is sponge like you will need to pump the pedal. The action of pumping the brake pedal allows pressure to build up in the system to allow for a safe stop. After you have stopped the car it is imperative to have the brakes checked by a qualified professional. A lack of inspection could result in complete failure of the brakes.
2. What To Do if Your Brakes Fade and How To Keep it From Happening
Brake fade occurs when the brakes have overheated and lose some of their stopping potential. In normal driving conditions you are unlikely to experience brake fade, however it can occur after repeatedly heavy braking from high speed, or during frequent braking on a long down hill section. Both scenarios will cause your brakes to heat up significantly and could even lead to the brake fluid boiling.
The issue with hot brakes is not lasting. The system can be returned to normal with a stop by the side of the road to allow the mechanism to cool. In downhill situations staying in a lower gear also helps slow the vehicle on the descent, without overuse of the brakes.
3. Options You Have For When Brakes Fail Completely
If you are confronted with total brake failure you need to pump the pedal to see if you can get back some brake pressure. This works to help you stop, but just as importantly lets drivers behind you know that you are trying to stop your car. As fast as you can change gears descending to a lower gear, you will also want to apply the handbrake in an effort to come to a complete stop.
If you are unable to slow the car down sufficiently and are faced with an imminent crash, try to keep a cool ahead and look to drive into an obstacle that will gently absorb the crash forces. To that end it is far better to crash into a parked car or a brick wall, which will stop you relatively gently, as opposed to a tree or lamp post which will stop you instantly and is more likely to leave you with significant injuries.
About the Author:
Alongside making sure your brakes are working properly, it is just as important to ensure that your Car Headlight Bulbs are in excellent working order and that you can see and be seen by other road users. Installing new Xenon Bulbs is a superb way to extend your night time visibility, so you can enjoy driving in the dark.