Drum brakes are being superseded with calliper brakes to make a better system for stopping a vehicle. Tyre construction helps reduce the pressure applied to brakes, as well. The contemporary production presents more safety for the driver. Unfortunately, there are bound to be times when a cars brakes do fail. When this happens it is imperative that you can stop safe and sound.
1. What To Do If Your Brakes Are Soft
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.
Should a leak occur some of the brake fluid can escape. This would influence the brake pressure, reducing the ability to stop the car. If you notice that the brake feels spongy or is soft when you step on the brake pedal, they are not working properly.
If this happens to you, the best thing to do is apply a mild pumping action to the brake pedal. This will build up some pressure and have you stopping in a safe manner. In order to avoid a complete failure of the brake system you will want to have a mechanic inspect your vehicle.
2. How to Prevent Brake Fade and What to Do if it Happens
The first thing to know is what brake fade is so that you can prevent it from happening. If you have had to use your brakes repeatedly because you are descending a steep grade or are driving fast which could mean you have had to brake in a quick manner, you could experience brake fade. The brakes themselves are overheating and the brake fluid is getting extremely warm. This shouldn’t occur if you are driving normally.
Brake fade is not a permanent problem and can be quickly cured by giving your brakes sufficient time to cool down. You can also reduce the chances of it occurring by staying in a low gear on prolonged hill descents and using engine braking as much as possible when stopping frequently from high speed.
3. Options You Have For When Brakes Fail Completely
Total brake failure is every drivers worse nightmare. As soon as you detect a problem with your brakes attempt to pump the pedal to restore some braking pressure, this will also ensure your rear brake light car bulbs come on, letting others know you are slowing. Quickly and smoothly change down through the gearbox, and gently apply the handbrake to help you stop.
If a crash is inevitable because you cannot get the car stopped, try not to panic. Look ahead to see what is in your path. You may be able to cushion the blow by choosing a parked car or low wall to hit. This would keep injuries to a minimum and damage to your vehicle minimal as well.
Tags: brake, brake pad, brake pads, brake system, brakes, bulbs, car bulbs, drum brake, drum brakes, engine, mechanic, safety, vehicle, wheel, wheels