Performance Car Reviews, News and Parts for the Car Enthusiast

Unless you need to replace your brakes because of wear there should not be any problems with coming to a safe stop when you need to. The existence of the newer calliper brakes instead of the old fashioned drum type ensures that you can feel comfortable behind the wheel. Tyres also contribute to your ability to come to a stop in an effective manner. There can be times though when your brakes could falter and you should understand what to do if the brakes fail.

1. What To Do If Your Brakes Are Soft

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 this happens to you, the best thing to do is apply a mild pumping action to the brake pedal. This will build up some pressure and have you stopping in a safe manner. In order to avoid a complete failure of the brake system you will want to have a mechanic inspect your vehicle.

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. Options You Have For When Brakes Fail Completely

If you are confronted with total brake failure you need to pump the pedal to see if you can get back some brake pressure. This works to help you stop, but just as importantly lets drivers behind you know that you are trying to stop your car. As fast as you can change gears descending to a lower gear, you will also want to apply the handbrake in an effort to come to a complete 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.

Effective car brakes are essential for road safety, and so is making sure that you have checked that all your Car Light Bulbs are in good and effective condition. Night driving can be stressful if you have a problem with your car lights and so it is a good idea to fit Xenon Bulbs to help you see more clearly in the dark.