Your brakes are important to keep you and others safe on the road. They slow down your car and, if needed, completely stop it. However, brake failure can be terrifying. It can also put you in danger of a car accident that could lead to serious injury or death. Fortunately, brake failure is rare. It only occurs in about 5% of car crashes every year. There are several different ways that your brakes can fail. You may be able to fix it yourself, or you might need to call for help from a professional.
The first thing to do if your brakes fail is to remain calm and take control of the situation. Panicking will only make the problem worse and increase your risk of a crash.
Try to find a place where you can slow down without using your brakes. This might mean finding an on-ramp, a hill, or a run-off area. If you can’t get your car to stop, use the horn to let other drivers know that you are experiencing a braking issue.
When your car has stopped, it’s important to get your brakes inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible. This will allow them to find the cause of the failure and ensure that it is fixed before it happens again.
A good mechanic will also be able to give you tips on how to prevent brake failure in the future. This can include changing the oil regularly, having your brake pads and rotor disks inspected, and having the brake fluid topped off.
Signs of brake failure
Your car’s brakes are grinding or making a strange noise when you apply them: This is usually a sign of a problem. The sound can be caused by a number of different problems, from debris to an improperly-fitted caliper or even the pad.
The best way to avoid this is by maintaining your car regularly, ensuring that all the parts are working properly and having them replaced when necessary.
If your brakes are grinding, this can be a sign that your brake pads are damaged and need to be replaced. If your rotor disks are worn down, this will also make it difficult to stop.
Another common cause of brake failure is fluid pressure loss in the brake lines. You’ll be able to notice this by the brake warning light coming on.
You’ll want to check the fluid level, and if it is low, you need to have it replaced right away. This is especially important if your brakes are wearing down rapidly, as the system won’t be able to work correctly.
Your brakes are ‘fading’: This can happen if you drive a lot or haven’t had your brakes serviced for a while. Friction fade can cause your brake pedal to feel soft or ‘spongy’ when you press it.
It’s a good idea to have your brakes checked before you get on the road, as this will ensure that they’re functioning well and can be repaired or replaced in time.
