Brake failure can be one of the scariest things that can happen to anybody especially a learner or someone new to driving. However, learning about it and how to manage a brake failure situation would go a long way to save the driver’s life.
Here are some terminologies you need to know about the braking system of a vehicle:
Brake Pad: This is a very important part of the braking system that are made of steel. They generate friction when it pushes itself on the rotor or disc of the car thereby slowing and completely stopping the vehicle.
Brake Lining: This can be found attached to the brake shoe and are responsible for causing frictional force when the brake shoe makes contact with the brake drum.
Brake Shoe: The brake shoe houses the brake lining in the brake drum
Brake Drum: The brake drum houses all the essential components of the braking system
What Causes A brake To Fail?
There are 2 major reasons why a brake system can fail;
The first reason is leakage of brake fluid which will stop the transmission of pressure from the pedal to the tyres while the second reason is when the constant heat generated by the frictional force overtime has worn off the brake pad which eventually makes it unable to generate frictional force or pressure needed to stop the vehicle.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Brake Failure
1. Depending on the use, the brake pads and systems must be regularly checked and serviced at least every 3 months
2. The servicing will also include checking if the brake fluid is not leaking along the brake lining.
3. Apply brakes correctly
What To Do When Brake Fails
To guarantee 50% safety, do not panic. Fidgeting would make you forget all the safety rules you know.
1. Try and force the gear into Park
2. Get off the main road to avoid casualties
3. Switch off the engine and draw the handbrakes slowly.
4. Try pumping the brakes repeatedly. If there is still brake fluid, it can be effective in making the car slow down.
Do these and you would have reduced your chance of fatal accident by 85%.
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