Warning Signs for Brake Failure
We take our brakes for granted, but an outright failure, however rare, could cost us our lives. Brakes that work but are not at peak efficiency put us in danger by increasing stopping distances.
The average driver uses their brakes more than 75,000 times a year, and on the UK's crowded roads, we are perhaps even more reliant on good brakes than in other countries. Closing speeds on narrow country roads can approach 100mph, and think of the times when we touch our brakes in heavy but briskly moving traffic in urban and suburban roads.
What to do if your brakes fail?
Although total brake failure is unlikely, especially with modern brakes, it is worth knowing what to do if it does occur.
If your brakes fail when you're driving, you need to stay calm as much as possible. Leave your car in gear, keep your foot away from the accelerator and steer to avoid other road users and/or obstacles. If you have cruise control, ensure it is switched off.
Try pumping your brakes if they feel soft and your pedal has gone towards the floor. It may be possible to regain some brake pressure that will help you slow your vehicle. Use your engine to slow down by shifting into a lower gear, but don't force it. If your car is still going very fast, this could cause damage and may cause you to lose control. Change down gradually, if you use an automatic take note of the gear settings.
Applying the handbrake carefully can help as it is cable operated and separate from the main braking system. Pulling the handbrake when you are going too fast could cause you to lose control.
If you're on a fast multi-lane road, move into the left-hand lane, if possible, and then as your car loses speed move on to the hard shoulder, if there is one. When your car is moving slowly, shift in to neutral and let it come to a natural stop, try to do this out of the main flow of traffic if possible. Get out of the car and walk to a safe place, having ensured the hand brake is on. Call your recovery company to get your car to a garage, but only once you're safe.
What can make our brakes fail?
A wide range of factors can lead to poor brake performance or complete failure. These can include manufacturing issues, poor servicing, lack of maintenance and, fortunately rarely, vandalism. Old brake fluid, worn pads or shoes and discs or drums, or leaky brake pipes are some of the most common issues.
Whatever the cause, a vehicle with brake problems is a serious accident waiting to happen.
Sorting out your brake problems
Thankfully, it is easy to spot most problems and careful DIY is often an option to fix brakes. Take notice of unusual noises, vibration of the car or brake pedal, changes in pedal resistance when braking, and get them checked by your garage. Remember, a little maintenance now could prevent a very serious accident later.
If your dashboard shows a warning light for your brakes, things have probably gone too far already. Either you have missed warnings when driving, or it has been too long since your car was serviced. Take immediate action to rectify the problem, and shorten the time between brake inspections.
tags:brake,problem,stopping,maintenance
