Don’t Panic if Your Car Brakes Fail: How to Stop Your Vehicle Safely
Dec 3, 2009 More Saving
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Drum brakes are being superseded with calliper brakes to make a better system for stopping a vehicle.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 you feel the pedal has gone soft, gently pump the pedal a few times, this will give you back some brake pressure and allow you to stop safely. Once you have stopped arrange to have your vehicle checked out by a qualified mechanic, otherwise you could eventually suffer total brake failure.
2. How to Prevent Brake Fade and What to Do if it Happens
Brake fade is a technical term to explain hot brakes. Brakes when they become hot can lose their stopping potential. This condition normally occurs on roads with steep grades where you are using your brake system more often. Normal operating situations rarely cause brake fade. However, braking at high speed or frequent use of your brakes can make them heat up. In a situation of hot brakes the fluid could actually boil.
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 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.
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 Headlight Bulbs is an excellent way to extend your night time visibility, so you can enjoy driving in the dark.
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