Why car brakes fail

March 15, 2022

It’s one thing if your car brakes aren’t working 100%, but it’s another if they fully fail and you can’t stop in the event of an emergency or an accident. That’s why it’s important to know the most common causes of brake failure and to pay attention to your vehicle so you can spot an unusual sound or sensation. 

What is brake failure?

Brake failure happens when you press the brake pedal and nothing happens, even if you floor it. A terrifying scenario, especially if you need to come to a halt at a red light or a stop sign. Here is why brake failure happens and what you can do to manage the situation safely.

Common causes of brake failure

1. The most common reason for brake failure is loss of brake fluid. This can happen due to a leak of the fluid or if the fluid got contaminated since it’s prone to retaining moisture. Your brake fluid amplifies your brake pedal’s pressure force so without it, your car can’t really stop to the full extent. The brake fluid can leak from brake lines or your engine where the cylinders are so make sure to get it inspected during routine maintenance.
2. Another common reason for brake failure is a problem with your master cylinder. This cylinder compresses your brake fluid and turns it into stopping power - if it doesn’t work, good luck stopping the vehicle. You will know you have an issue with your brake cylinder if you are losing braking power or if you notice leaks around or in your vehicle.
3. Owner neglect & worn-out parts: these two go hand in hand. Many car owners are used to the classic car maintenance routine - oil changes and tire flips, often forgetting the importance of brake maintenance. Owner neglect often leads to worn-out parts like brake pads which can become unusable due to excessive use and heat. The same goes for damaged or warped brake rotors. If the brake pad can’t grip the rotor, your wheels won’t stop. 

What do you do if your brakes fail?

• Downshift to help slow down the car.
• Pump the brakes 3-4 times to generate brake fluid pressure.
• Apply the emergency brake. 
• Put on your hazard lights.
• Carefully pull over and make sure other drivers see you. 
• Try to avoid others and use the off-shoulder or grass to further slow down your vehicle.

The moment you notice any unusual sounds or sensations coming from your brakes, bring your vehicle to the mechanic. If you have to brake too hard to slow down or if your brake pedal feels “mushy”, that’s an issue too. Many brake problems and accidents can be solved by putting on new parts at the right time! 

You can find the right brake parts for your vehicle on our website with a big selection of new brake pads and rotors, for every performance level and every lifestyle.