Why Do Cars Experience Brake Failure?

Although the brakes on your car are built to work reliably, they need some TLC to remain in tip-top shape. If you fail to do adequate maintenance and timely repairs on your auto brakes, they will inevitably fail, putting you and other road users in harm's way.

Several factors can cause your brakes to fail. Keep reading to discover the most common causes of brake failure. 

Loss Of Brake Fluid

The brakes found in most modern cars are operated by a hydraulic system, meaning they use hydraulic pressure to transfer forces within the system.

When you apply the brakes, the brake fluid in your car generates the hydraulic pressure and forces necessary to slow down or halt the vehicle. Without an adequate amount of it, your brakes may fail.

Brake fluid flows through your auto braking system in a closed-loop system. If the vehicle's braking system has a low fluid level, the issue is almost invariably caused by leaks within the system. 

Check for a puddle underneath your car. If you see one, have a professional detect and fix the leaks.

Defective Brake Fluid

Like engine oil, brake fluid can become dirty from regular use. Plus, it's hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture when exposed to the atmosphere.

Both dirt and water contaminate brake fluid and make it lose its working properties. When this happens, brake failure inevitably occurs. If your vehicle's brake fluid is dirty or contaminated, you should flush it out and replace it to get your brakes working at their full potential again.

Worn Brake Pads

When you hit the brakes, your brake pads squeeze against the disc rotor, generating immense friction to halt your vehicle. During this process, the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle is converted into heat energy.

Because the brake pads are rubber components, they wear down to the point of not squeezing onto the rotor tightly enough. When this happens, your brakes may start producing grinding, squealing, squeaking, and other unusual noises when you press down on the brake pedal.

Replace overheated or worn brake pads to restore your vehicle's stopping power. 

Damaged Rotor Disc

If you drive on worn brake pads for too long, the rotor disc may suffer damage. Worn brake pads might cause metal-on-metal contact between the rotor and the brake caliper, which houses the brake pads. Excessive heat generated during braking action can also damage your rotor.

If your rotor has only suffered surface damage, you can have it resurfaced at an auto machine shop. If it is badly damaged, replace it.

Properly functioning brakes keep you safe on the road and prolong the life of your vehicle. Visit an auto mechanic shop near you for all your brake maintenance and repair needs. For more information, contact a company like Hillside Imports.