The brakes on a modern vehicle are normally extremely reliable, and with the replacement of drum brakes with more effective calliper brakes, and developments in tyre technology stopping distance are now significantly reduced. However, occasionally failures in a vehicle’s braking system can occur and knowing how to react when they do will ensure you can still stop quickly and safely.

1. Bringing The Car to a Safe Stop When the Brakes Are Spongy

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.

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 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. Tips to Prevent and React During Brake Fade

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. What to Do in the Event of 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.

Fully working car brakes are vital 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 dull and weak car lights and so it is well worth installing Xenon Bulbs to help you see more clearly in the dark.