Don’t Panic if Your Car Brakes Fail: How to Stop Your Vehicle Safely
The brakes on a modern vehicle are normally extremely reliable, and with the replacement of drum brakes with more effective calliper brakes, and developments in tyre technology stopping distance are now significantly reduced. However, occasionally failures in a vehicle’s braking system can occur and knowing how to react when they do will ensure you can still stop quickly and safely.
1. Stopping Your Vehicle if You Have Soft or Spongy Brake Pedals
Soft or spongy brakes are a condition which occurs when a leak in the system exists. It could be that your brakes are leaking fluid, so that when the brake is depressed the force behind the movement is less than normally desired on the brake callipers. As the brake is depressed the pads move onto the disc to create a situation with friction. The wheel begins to slow. The stopping mechanism of the vehicle is a closed loop, which means fluid should not be able to leak.
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. Tips to Prevent and React During Brake Fade
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 shouldnt occur if you are driving normally.
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. How To Handle Total Brake Failure
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.
Effective car brakes are vital for road safety, and so is making sure that you have checked that all your Car Light Bulbs are in good and effective condition. Night driving can be stressful if you have dull and weak car lights and so it is a good idea to fit Xenon Bulbs to help you see more clearly in the dark.
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