Warning signs that your car's braking system is unsafe.

(Baonghean.vn) -The brakes can be considered the gatekeeper for the safety of both the driver and the vehicle. Therefore, vehicle users should regularly check this part to promptly repair and fix any problems, avoiding waiting until the brakes fail before realizing it.

Here are some signs that your car's brakes are starting to have problems and how to spot them while driving.

Strange sounds

Strange noises are one of the warning signs that your braking system has a problem and needs attention. However, that sound can come from anywhere in the system; for example, squeaking could be due to misalignment between the brake pads and rotors, requiring repair.

Additionally, a squeaking sound from the brake pad sensor might indicate it needs replacing. Sometimes you might also hear metallic grinding noises, which could be due to worn brake pads, causing the metal clips to come into direct contact with the rotor. Every time you apply the brakes, these two metal parts rub against each other. This makes braking difficult and can damage the rotor.

Abnormal traction

This is caused by the abnormal traction generated when a caliper gets stuck. Because of this, one wheel will experience more friction than the others, leading to a tendency for your car to veer towards the wheel with the stuck caliper.

Unusual traction may not be caused by brake system damage. It's more likely due to uneven tire pressure or wear, resulting in one wheel having less contact with the road. The best course of action is to take your car to a service center.

Vibration sensation

If you feel the brake pedal vibrating when you press the brake pedal under normal circumstances, it could indicate a problem with your car's braking system. This is often caused by a deformed rotor. Uneven surfaces on the rotor cannot be detected by its interaction with the brake pads; you must feel the vibration in the brake pedal.

Feeling the brake pedal vibrate when pressed is also a sign that the braking system may have a problem.

The braking sensation is unusual.rice

A brake pedal that feels too light could be due to worn brake pads or a problem with the hydraulic system, such as a brake fluid leak or air entering the fluid reservoir. To check for fluid leaks, place an old piece of cloth or cardboard under the car overnight. If fluid leaks out, it will be on the cloth or cardboard.

If the brakes feel too stiff when you press them, it could indicate a problem with the small contact parts in your car's braking system. Often, this is caused by uneven rotor wear or contaminated brake fluid. You can have the brake fluid replaced at a repair center to ensure better brake performance.

Worn brake pads

Most modern vehicles are equipped with disc brakes. This system works as follows: a hydraulic system filled with brake fluid acts on a set of calipers, causing them to tighten against a disc called a rotor. Friction is created between the calipers and the rotor, bringing the vehicle to a stop.

Over time, these brake pads will begin to wear down due to friction. This causes the car's braking system to become less effective, and the car will stop more slowly, meaning the brakes are no longer as effective.

Inspect the brake pads by looking between the wheel spokes to locate a shiny metal rotor inside. The brake pads are located between the calipers and the rotor. If the brake pads are thinner than a quarter of an inch (approximately 6.35 mm), they are no longer safe and need replacing.

Unstable brake pedal

If the brake pedal is sometimes responsive and sometimes not, it means there's a problem with the braking system, such as oil leaks, air leaks, uneven brake pads, dirty brake fluid, etc. The most dangerous situation is when the brake pads lock up against the brake disc, the hydraulic system loses its elasticity, and the brake pedal doesn't spring back.

Detecting problems while driving

- Observe while driving:If the brake pedal feels loose when you press it, or if the pedal almost touches the floor before engaging, these are signs that it needs checking. The cause could be low brake fluid or a brake fluid leak.

If you feel the car or steering wheel vibrating when you press the brake pedal, it's a sign that the brake discs need replacing or are too worn and need resurfacing.

It's important to listen for signs of wear and tear. For example, a squeaking or grinding sound indicates worn brake pads. Neglecting this can lead to serious problems.

- Observe the engine compartment:When not driving, we can open the hood to check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. Most reservoirs are translucent, making it relatively easy to check the level. This check should be done once a month.

If the oil level is low, it needs to be topped up. But if you notice the oil level dropping frequently, that's a sign of a leak somewhere in the system, possibly in the brake fluid lines.

You should regularly open the brake fluid reservoir cap to check the fluid's color. New fluid is clear or translucent. Old and nearly expired fluid is dark and dirty after a long period of exposure to dust, dirt, and moisture. If the brake fluid has turned dark, it's time to replace the entire reservoir, not just top it up.

- Check the brake fluid level:When not driving, we can open the hood to check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. Most reservoirs are translucent, making it relatively easy to check the level. This check should be done every two weeks.

If the oil level is low, more oil needs to be added.

If the oil level is low, more oil needs to be added. But if you notice the oil level dropping frequently, that's a sign of a leak, possibly in the brake fluid lines.

Maintenance experts recommend regularly opening the brake fluid reservoir cap to check the fluid's color. New fluid is clear or translucent. Old and nearly expired fluid is dark and dirty after a long period of accumulation of dust, dirt, and impurities. If the brake fluid has turned dark, it's time to completely replace it, not just top it up.

- Inspect the brake fluid lines:To inspect the brake lines, the vehicle needs to be jacked up. Check for leaks or corrosion in the flexible hoses and rigid metal tubing.

Metal hoses run along the length of the vehicle, so all of them need to be inspected. Also, check the rubber hoses that carry oil to the brake calipers at the wheels. For flexible hoses, look for any rough patches, as these are a warning sign of leaks. Keep these hoses away from moving parts of the vehicle or heat-generating components, such as the exhaust pipe.

- Check by removing the wheel:If we have time, we should remove the wheels to check the condition of the brake rotors on both front wheels. Pay attention to whether the brake discs are scratched or worn. Scratches on the brake disc surface, if present, are a sign that dirt (such as gravel or sand) has accumulated between the brake pads and the disc surface, causing damage.

If the brake disc surface is severely scratched, it needs to be inspected and resurfaced if necessary; if resurfacing is not possible, it should be replaced.

For drum brakes on the rear wheels, we need to carefully remove the brake drum to inspect the inside. While doing this, a mask should be worn to avoid inhaling dust and debris from the brakes. Many other signs must be checked, such as excessive dust buildup on the brakes, warping of the brake drum or disc, damage to the brake cylinder, and lubrication level in the brake pads.

- Bleeding air from the brake system:After replacing brake discs, brake pads, brake shoes, and brake fluid, you'll often see mechanics perform a "bleeding" process for the brake system. This is because air remains in the brake fluid and lines (air gets in when brake pads wear out or when the brake fluid level is low), making the brakes less effective. Bleeding the air bubbles in the brake system ensures the brakes function more efficiently and safely.

The braking system in a car is a very important component that affects safety while the vehicle is in operation. Therefore, drivers need to pay special attention to this system.

During vehicle operation, the braking system must always function properly to reduce speed and bring the vehicle to a complete stop when encountering obstacles on the road. The brake mechanism and wheel hubs are among the most vulnerable parts after the vehicle has been in operation. Because they are located low down, mud and water easily penetrate them. Therefore, this is a system you need to pay special attention to.

Ngoc Anh

(Synthetic)