Brake failure

Regular servicing will ensure your brakes are in good working order ... Always!

Sudden brake failure in well maintained cars is possible but you are more likely to be hit by lightning.

Get into the habit of checking your brakes every time you start to drive. There are two checks that you can make. Static and rolling.

The 'static brake test' is just a matter of pressing the brake pedal when you get into the car. There should be resistance from the pedal; if there isn't you have probably got a fluid leak and should not drive the car.

Complete your 'rolling brake test' by pressing the brake pedal gently as soon as possible after moving off and while driving slowly.This will reassure you that your brakes are OK before you need them.

Symptoms of impending brake failure

Brakes operate on a hydraulic system; for the system to work effectively there must be fluid in the hydraulic pipes. If the fluid starts to leak from the system the brake pedal will feel 'softer' and will often travel further when pressed.

If your brake pedal feels soft or 'spongy' stop immediately and get a breakdown mechanic to check the car. If the pedal feels soft, you might be able to build up brake pressure by repeatedly pumping it, however, this is only to stop the car... and is not a 'get you home' solution.

Total brake failure

As explained above, total brake failure is rare

If you need to stop 'now!' use the handbrake in an on-off pumping motion. If there's time, change to second gear and bring the clutch up gently (the engine compression will make the clutch feel like a brake) then use the handbrake to stop.

Another method is to change to a low gear and switch off your engine. However, extreme caution is required if this is done.

You must have a straight run off space in which to stop; this is because your power steering will fail as soon as the engine is switched off - it may be almost impossible to turn the wheel.

A second danger is that the steering lock could engage; in some models this can happen even if the key is still in the ignition switch.

It is reassuring to note that most late model cars have 'dual circuit' brakes which will still work on at least two wheels in the event of system failure.

Brake fade

Brake fade refers to a situation where the brakes lose efficiency (or possibly fail completely). It is extremely rare in modern, well maintained vehicles.

There are two causes of brake fade. The most common, and the one which was experienced by our motorists in the first part of the 20th century, is caused by overheated brake pads (the bits that press onto the wheel to slow it down).

This is almost unheard of with modern brake technology - you would need to brake long and hard down a (very, very) long hill. When the brakes cool down they work OK again.

The second type is caused by water in the brake fluid. When the fluid gets hot the water can vaporise. Steam (unlike brake fluid) will compress - therefore instead of your braking effort being transmitted to the wheels, it is dissipated as the steam compresses. When the system cools down the brakes will seem OK again. If your car is regularly serviced, the brake fluid will be replaced periodically and this problem will never arise.

Parking brake failure

If your handbrake fails, leave the car in first or reverse gear (or Park) when you park and chock your front wheels against the kerb. It is not wise to leave your car on a hill, even with the wheels chocked.

Stay calm - stay safe!