- 01
- Dec
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
Maintaining your brakes in good, working condition means that you should check for possible leaks in the brake line. If there is a hydraulic leak then the brakes will not stop you properly. When the pedal is depressed the brake fluid is compressed. This allows for the fluid to reach the brake callipers. When this happens the brake pads are constricted on the disc brake. This allows for friction which makes the wheels slow. The closed loop system ensures that the brake fluid stays under pressure and that no fluid can escape.
When a leak exists the pressure is less, but it is not nonexistent. Instead the brakes will feel soft under your foot. They may not react as quickly to stop the car as they have in the past.
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. How to Prevent Brake Fade and What to Do if it Happens
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. What to Do in the Event of Total Brake Failure
Complete failure in the braking system is fearful for any driver. There are numerous situations that could result from a complete lack of brakes. At any time that you suspect you have a problem with the brakes you will need to pump them to help build pressure. By pumping the brakes you are also alerting the other drivers to your intentions. In a manual or automatic you can downshift from a higher speed without the brakes causing the vehicle to slow. Another option if these other two tactics are not sufficient is to gently use the handbrake to come to a stop.
In all cases of complete failure it is essential to keep a cool mind even when a crash may be the end result. You should look for an area to crash the vehicle in a more tolerant manner allowing the force of the crash to be better absorbed. Try to crash into a brick wall or other parked vehicle, over a tree or post. The force is spread out more evenly on the vehicle, helping to create an easier less impactful stop, thus less severe injury.
As well as making sure your brakes are working properly, it is just as important to ensure that your Car Lights are in excellent working order and that you can see and be seen by other road users. Installing new Xenon Bulbs is an excellent way to extend your night time visibility, so you can enjoy driving in the dark.
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