How Should You Troubleshoot A Car's Brake Problems?

The car's brake system is a core component for driving safety. Any problems can lead to serious traffic accidents. Whether it's unusual brake squealing, softening, swerving, or failure, they all require prompt attention. This article will detail common brake problems, including identification methods, emergency response measures, and professional repair recommendations, to help drivers quickly resolve brake issues and ensure safe driving.

1. Identify: Identifying and Classifying Common Brake Problems

Brake system problems often have obvious signs. Identifying the problem in advance can prevent minor issues from escalating into major risks. Here are the six most common brake problems and their characteristics:

(1) Abnormal Brake Squeaks: Different sounds correspond to different problems.

• Sharp metallic friction: Similar to a "squeaking" or "screeching" sound, this is usually caused by brake pads wearing to their limit (the wear warning plate built into the brake pads rubs against the brake disc). The brake pads need to be replaced immediately.

• Dull thumping: A "thumping" sound when braking may indicate a loose brake caliper, a deformed brake disc, or a loosened brake pad. Stop and inspect the vehicle before continuing.

• Abnormal friction noise accompanied by vibration: If the steering wheel or body shakes and a "squeaking" sound is heard when braking, this may indicate uneven brake disc wear (grooves or deformation), requiring grinding or replacement.

(2) Soft brakes: Pedal travel becomes longer and braking force becomes weaker.

• Characteristics: The pedal sinks noticeably when braking, requiring full pressure to achieve braking force, or even feeling like "nothing."

• Possible causes: Brake fluid leak, air in the brake lines, master or slave cylinder failure, excessive brake pad wear.

• Risk level: High (may cause a sharp drop in braking force), requiring immediate inspection.

(3) Hard brakes: Pedal resistance and insufficient braking force.

• Characteristics: The brake pedal is firm and resists depressing even with force, with a significant decrease in braking force. This condition often occurs during initial startup or while driving.

• Possible causes: Vacuum booster pump failure (lack of power, resulting in a hard pedal), brake fluid line blockage, or ABS system malfunction.

• Related tips: If the engine stalls, the vacuum booster pump connection may be loose, requiring urgent attention.

(4)  Brake Pull: The vehicle drifts to one side during braking.

• Characteristics: When the brakes are lightly applied, the steering wheel automatically pulls to the left or right, requiring a firm grip to maintain straight driving.

• Possible Causes: Uneven wear on the left and right brake pads, a stuck brake caliper, a brake cylinder leak, or a significant difference in tire pressure.

• Hidden Risks: Pulling at high speeds can cause the vehicle to lose control. Reduce speed and seek repairs as soon as possible.

(5)  Brake Drag: A feeling of braking persists after the brake pedal is released.

• Characteristics: After releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle decelerates significantly (similar to driving with the brakes engaged), resulting in increased fuel consumption and wheel heat.

• Possible Causes: Poor brake caliper return, sticking brake shoes, a clogged brake line, or incomplete release of the parking brake.

• Dangers: Prolonged drag can cause overheating of the brake pads/discs, potentially leading to brake smoke and tire blowouts. 6. Brake Failure: Complete Loss of Braking Force (Extreme Situation)

• Characteristics: After applying the brake pedal, the vehicle experiences no deceleration, and the pedal feels "zero resistance" or "full stop."

• Possible Causes: Complete failure of the master brake cylinder, complete fluid leakage, or complete separation of the brake pads from the brake discs.

• Urgency: Highest (immediate emergency measures are required to avoid an accident).

2.Emergency Procedures: Immediate Actions in the Event of a Brake Problem

When encountering a brake failure, panicking can increase the risk. Depending on the type of problem, specific emergency measures should be implemented, prioritizing vehicle control and a safe stop.

(1) Actions in the Event of Weak Brakes/Insufficient Braking Force

Immediate Deceleration: Release the accelerator, activate the hazard lights, and gently apply the brakes to slowly decelerate using the remaining braking force (avoid applying them too hard, which could lead to complete failure).

Utilizing Engine Braking: For manual transmission models, downshift gradually (from a higher gear to a lower gear, e.g., 5th → 3rd → 1st) to reduce vehicle speed using engine resistance. For automatic transmission models, shift to "L" (low gear) or "Sport Mode" to enhance engine braking.

Assisted Braking: If the vehicle's speed is low (less than 40 km/h), use the parking brake cautiously (apply slowly to avoid locking the parking brake and causing the rear wheels to slip), then gradually stop with the foot brake.

Choose a safe parking area: Observe the road conditions, move to the right lane, avoid non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians, and finally park in the emergency lane or on the side of the road. After parking, apply the parking brake and place the warning triangle (150 meters behind the vehicle on highways and 50-100 meters behind the vehicle on ordinary roads).

(2) What to do if the brakes become hard/the pedal becomes ineffective

Increase pedal pressure: If the vacuum booster pump fails, manual force can still be applied. Apply full force to the pedal (possibly requiring full strength) to utilize the residual mechanical braking force to slow the vehicle.

Rapid gear changes: Use the same engine braking method as described above, downshifting to force the vehicle to slow down, while frequently honking the horn to alert nearby vehicles.

Avoid repeated attempts: If the pedal still does not respond after repeated application, do not waste energy; focus on steering and downshifting.

(3)  Interim Measures for Braking

Reduce Speed: After releasing the accelerator, gently apply the brakes (avoid applying them too hard, as this may exacerbate the deviation). While keeping a firm grip on the steering wheel, correct the vehicle's deviation.

Avoid Sudden Steering: Sudden steering movements during a deviation may cause the vehicle to skid. Make small adjustments to keep the vehicle within its lane.

Stop Immediately: Check the rearview mirror, confirm safety, and then turn the turn signal. Slowly pull to the side of the road, avoiding stops on curves or slopes.

(4) Emergency Measures for Braking

Check the parking brake: First, confirm that the parking brake is fully released (check that the parking brake light on the dashboard is off). If not, release the parking brake immediately.

Forced Cooling: If the wheels are hot (this can be detected by smell or touch; be careful to avoid burns), do not immediately apply water to cool them after parking (this may cause the brake discs to warp). Instead, run the engine at idle speed for 1-2 minutes to allow the heat to dissipate naturally.

Short-Distance Driving Limitations: If the delay is not severe, drive at a low speed to the nearest repair shop (no more than 3 kilometers away), avoiding frequent braking along the way. If there is smoke or an unusual odor, stop immediately and call for assistance.

(5) Ultimate Maneuver in Case of Complete Brake Failure (Life-Saving Technique)

Decisive Use of the Parking Brake: Slowly apply the parking brake (apply it multiple times, releasing it after halfway through each stroke and then applying it again) to prevent the rear wheels from locking and skidding, while steering to avoid obstacles.

Friction Deceleration: If safe, gently steer the vehicle sideways against the roadside guardrail or shoulder (using the resistance of the obstacle to slow down), but control the force to avoid losing control.

Jumping to Avoid Risk (Extreme Situations): If the vehicle is about to collide and deceleration is impossible, the driver should unbuckle the seatbelt immediately before impact and jump to the side of the vehicle (in the opposite direction of travel), curling up to cushion the impact upon landing. (This maneuver only applies at low speeds; the risk is extremely high at high speeds.)

Any abnormality in the brake system should not be ignored. From unusual noises, softening, to deviation, every sign is a "safety warning" for the vehicle. When faced with a malfunction, first remain calm and use emergency measures to stop the vehicle safely. Second, seek professional testing to identify the root cause and avoid superficial repairs. Finally, develop a habit of regular maintenance to keep your brake system in top condition.

Remember: even the best brake system requires careful driving. Cultivating the habit of anticipating road conditions and applying steady braking techniques can fundamentally reduce the likelihood of brake failures and ensure a safe and worry-free ride.And the same time,choosing safe and reliable brake parts is also very significant.If you are looking for reliable brake parts supplier,welcome to visit our website:https://www.evfriction.com. Or you can call us by +86-13363216781,and email us by jessicabrakes12@gmail.com.