9 Common Brake System Damages & How to Repair

damage to car brake system
Latest update date: February 23, 01

Brake system is an extremely important part of the car, with the function of reducing or completely stopping the movement of the wheel. In other words, when you step on the brake, this system will create friction to "pull" the wheel back, helping the car to slow down and stop.

The braking system plays a key role in ensuring safety when operating a car. However, over time, this system often shows signs of damage that can be dangerous for the driver and passengers.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023), about 30% of road traffic accidents are related to brake system failures, of which 70% of cases can be prevented through regular maintenance and early detection of brake problems.

Car brake system Common problems that can occur include: low brake fluid level, low or soft brake pedal, brake pedal vibration, noise when braking, vehicle shifting when braking, hard brake pedal, and brake lock.

In this article, we will explore in detail about the brake system, common failures, how to fix it, and how to maintain and use it effectively. Don't miss it.

damage to car brake system
Common failures in car brake systems & how to repair them

What is the car brake system?

The car braking system is a set of mechanical, hydraulic and electronic components that work together to convert the vehicle's kinetic energy into heat energy, thereby slowing or stopping the vehicle. Braking performance is evaluated based on the ability to slow down and stop the vehicle in the shortest possible distance while ensuring safety and stability.

This system has 4 common types including disc brakes, drum brakes, ABS brakes and electronic brakes.

1. Main function of the brake system

The main function of the braking system is to create friction to slow down or stop the vehicle. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the force is transmitted through the brake fluid to different parts of the system, creating braking force.

2. Common types of brake systems on cars

The 4 common types of brake systems on cars today include: disc brakes, drum brakes, ABS brakes, and electronic brakes.

  • Disc brake: Use friction between brake pads and brake disc to create braking force. Disc brakes have high braking performance, good heat dissipation, and are often used for front wheels.
  • Drum brake: Use brake pads to press against the drum to create braking force. Drum brakes have a simple structure, low cost, and are often used for rear wheels.
  • ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): Anti-lock braking system, helps prevent the wheels from locking when braking suddenly, maintaining vehicle control. ABS sensors will monitor the rotation speed of the wheels and adjust the brake fluid pressure to ensure the wheels do not lock.
  • Electronic braking: Uses electronic signals to control braking force, providing optimal braking performance and greater safety. For example, regenerative braking systems on hybrid and electric vehicles use the electric motor to create braking force, while also converting kinetic energy into electricity to charge the battery.

9 common brake system failures

Recognizing early signs of brake failure will help you proactively maintain and repair your vehicle, ensuring safety while driving. Here are the 9 most common failures:

1. Low brake oil level

Brake fluid transmits force from the brake pedal to the wheels, helping the vehicle stop. When the brake fluid level is low, braking force will be reduced or even lost. The cause may be a brake fluid leak in the system, worn brake pads or damaged brake pistons.

  • Symptoms: Brake warning light on dashboard is on, brake pedal is sunken or feels soft.
  • How to fix: The brake cylinder, brake lines, wheel cylinders and brake calipers need to be checked. Damaged parts need to be replaced if leaks are detected. Before the problems are fixed and repaired, you should absolutely not use the vehicle.

Research by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International, 2024) recommends changing brake fluid every 24.000-40.000 km or 2 years, as brake fluid degradation can reduce braking efficiency by up to 35% over this period.

Check car brake fluid level
Check car brake fluid level

2. Low brake pedal

Low brake pedal is when you have to press the brake pedal harder than usual to feel the braking force. Common causes are air in the brake system, excessive brake pad wear, or brake cylinder failure.

Solution: Need to reinstall the brake shoe adjuster.

3. Light brake pedal

A soft brake pedal, also known as brake failure, occurs when you press the brakes but your vehicle does not slow down or stop as expected. This can be caused by a loss of brake fluid pressure, hardened brake pads, or worn brake disc surfaces.

How to fix: To be able to fix the pedal error quickly and easily, you just need to add a little more brake fluid to the system or need to perform the steps to bleed the air again.

4. Pedal journey is large brake

High brake pedal travel is when you have to press the brake pedal a longer distance than normal to stop your vehicle. This can be caused by worn brake pads, loose brake screws, or brake mechanism failure.

If this is the case, you can tell very simply because your brakes will not eat, or if the brakes do eat, you need to step on the Pedal brake more.

How to fix: You need to check and add brake fluid if needed, check brake pad wear and replace if necessary.

5. Car brake pedal vibration

Brake pedal vibration often occurs when you brake at high speed. The main causes are warped brake discs, unevenly worn brake pads, or unbalanced tires.

Solution: Check the brake discs or replace the brake pads immediately so they fit together properly.

Car brake pedal vibration
Car brake pedal vibration

6. When the brakes are emitted noise

Brake noise can be a screeching, metallic sound, or squealing sound. Common causes include worn brake pads, poor quality brake pads, dirt in the brake system, or lack of lubrication.

How to fix: To prevent the brake disc from wearing out quickly and from scratches, you should immediately replace the brake pads.

7. When braking, the car veers to one side.

When the feeding of the two front wheels is not equal, the phenomenon of causing the car to crash aside when braking will occur. This may be because the brakes on the right wheel eat more than the left and vice versa. The height of the brake pads of the two front wheels you adjust are not equal or when braking a wheel is stuck, it will cause the car to be pushed aside.

How to fix: To be able to fix and repair this problem is not too difficult, you just need to check if the wheel cylinder is stuck or not? or readjust the brake shoe height of the 2 front wheels.

8. The brake pedal is hard

A hard brake pedal is often caused by a problem with the brake booster. Normally, the brake booster system (usually the brake booster) helps the driver to decelerate the vehicle effectively without having to brake too hard. When the brake pedal becomes harder than usual, it is a sign that the brake booster is failing.

How to fix: You need to immediately check the brake booster and the vacuum lines connected to it. If damage is found, you need to replace the brake booster to ensure safe driving.

9. Brake lock

Braking occurs due to problems in brake operation such as: incorrect adjustment of the handbrake, incorrect foot brake, damaged brake pad springs, cylinder jam, master cylinder failure, dry battery oil, etc. Although the driver has Stop applying force on the brake pedal but the brake still won't release.

Car brake
Car brake

How to fix: To fix the problem of car brakes locking, you need to:

  • Check and replace brake pads.
  • Clean and lubricate the battery throughout.
  • Check and repair brake discs.
  • Dry the brake pads.
  • Adjust the brake pedal.

How to maintain the brake system effectively?

Regular brake system maintenance is essential to ensure safety and prolong the life of your vehicle. Here are some important notes:

  • Brake pad inspection: Brake pad thickness should be checked regularly, usually every 5.000 – 10.000 km. The allowable brake pad thickness limit is usually around 2mm. If the brake pads are worn excessively, they should be replaced immediately.
  • Brake fluid replacement: Brake fluid is hygroscopic and will degrade over time, affecting braking performance. Brake fluid should be replaced periodically as recommended by the manufacturer, usually every 2 years or 40.000 km.
  • Check the brake disc: The brake disc surface should be checked for warping or cracking. If the brake disc is damaged, it should be replaced to ensure safety.
  • Check other details: Brake fluid pipes, brake cylinders, and brake boosters also need to be checked periodically to detect early signs of damage.

Safety tips when using the braking system

To ensure maximum safety when using the brake system, you should pay attention to safe driving habits, check the brakes regularly and choose a reputable brake system repair/maintenance address.

- 9 Common Brake System Damages & How to Repair
Always drive safely to protect your brakes effectively.

1. Safe driving habits

When driving, you need to keep a safe distance, do not brake suddenly and limit braking when going downhill.

  • Keep a safe distance: A safe distance from the vehicle in front will give you enough time to react and brake when necessary.
  • Do not brake suddenly: Frequent sudden braking will cause the brake pads and brake discs to wear out quickly, and is dangerous for you and other road users.
  • Limit braking when going downhill: Use low gear when going downhill to take advantage of engine braking force, reducing the load on the braking system.

2. Check your brakes regularly

The brake system should be checked regularly by checking the brake warning light, listening for braking sounds and feeling the brake pedal.

  • Check the brake light: The brake light on the dashboard will warn when there is a problem with the brake system.
  • Listen for braking noise: Unusual braking noises can be a sign of damage.
  • Brake pedal feel: The sensitivity and depth of the brake pedal are also factors to pay attention to.

3. Choose a reputable repair place

To choose a reputable car repair shop, you should carefully research the garage and consult with acquaintances or the community.

  • Choose a reputable garage: A reputable garage will have a team of experienced technicians, use genuine spare parts and ensure quality service.
  • Consult: Ask friends, relatives or search the internet to choose a suitable repair garage.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should you regularly use the handbrake when parking?

Yes. Using the handbrake when parking, especially on a slope, helps keep the vehicle safe and reduces the load on the transmission and main braking system. See more articles: Compare 2 popular types of car handbrakes most today.

2. How does brake pad wear affect braking performance?

Worn brake pads will reduce the contact area between the brake pads and the brake disc, leading to reduced braking force, increased braking distance and causing danger when participating in traffic.

3. Does brake fluid need to be changed periodically and when should it be changed?

Yes. Brake fluid should be changed periodically as recommended by the manufacturer, usually every 2 years or 40.000 km. Old brake fluid will degrade, affecting braking performance and possibly causing damage to internal components. brake system. See product now: Castrol brake Fluid Dot 4 1L Can – DPDOT4 Genuine, best price.

4. What factors affect the life of the brake system?

Driving habits, road conditions, quality of brake pads and brake fluid, and frequency of maintenance all affect the life of the brake system.

5. Can I check my brake system at home?

You can visually inspect some details such as brake pads, brake fluid, and brake discs to detect obvious signs of damage. However, to thoroughly inspect the brake system, you should take your car to a reputable garage.

6. Which garage repairs car brakes safely and reliably in Ho Chi Minh City?

Thanh Phong Auto provides comprehensive and professional brake maintenance services, helping you drive with peace of mind and enjoy the journey to the fullest.

Brake maintenance services at Thanh Phong Auto include:

  • Comprehensive brake system check: Check brake pads, brake discs, brake fluid, hoses, brake cylinders, brake assist bulb… with modern equipment, early detection of any signs of damage.
  • Genuine spare parts replacement: Using genuine, high-quality spare parts ensures optimal braking performance and prolongs the life of the braking system.
  • Periodic maintenance: Change brake fluid, clean brake system, adjust brake stroke... according to manufacturer's procedures and standards.
  • Professional Repair: Fix all brake system failures, from simple to complex, with a team of experienced technicians.

Thanh Phong Auto's commitment:

  • Prestige, quality: Putting customer benefits first, committed to providing high quality services at reasonable prices.
  • Genuine spare parts: Using genuine spare parts ensures safety and braking efficiency.
  • Professional technical team: Technical team is well-trained, experienced and knowledgeable.
  • Modern equipment: Applying advanced technology, ensuring accurate and fast maintenance and repair processes.

Coming to Thanh Phong Auto, you will experience professional and dedicated brake maintenance service, helping your "beloved car" always operate safely and durably.

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