Dangers of Driving with Faulty Brakes

As we all know, driving with faulty brakes can be extremely dangerous. Of course, not only for you, but also for other motorists. Worn or damaged brakes can reduce stopping power. Therefore, it would be more difficult to stop the vehicle in an emergency. In this post, we will discuss some of the risks associated with driving a car with worn or damaged brakes. Importantly, that’s why it’s important to have your brakes checked and replaced as soon as possible.

One of the main risks associated with driving with faulty brakes is increased stopping distance. This is a slow process and is not detected by the driver. As the brake pads wear down, they become less effective at stopping the vehicle, which can lead to a longer stopping distance. This can be especially dangerous in situations where an emergency stop is needed. Emergencies, such as when a child runs into the street or a car in front of you suddenly stops.

Another risk associated with driving with faulty brakes is decreased control.

So, If the brake pads are worn or the brake disc (rotor) is damaged, the vehicle may not stop as smoothly or as easily as it should. This can make it difficult to control the vehicle. Especially in tight turns or on wet or slippery roads. Driving with faulty brakes also increases the risk of collision. If the brakes fail completely, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle, which can lead to a collision. Additionally, if the brakes are worn or damaged, the driver may not be able to stop the vehicle in time to avoid a collision.

Brake pads can also seize due to a lack of servicing. This, in fact, is what happened to me. I was coming up to a zebra crossing on my way home from a day trip to Blackpool, UK. Although the crossing was empty, I applied my brakes. The car did not come to a halt; instead, it continued on its way. My brakes had seized on! I was an apprentice mechanic at the time and pulled up as soon as possible. The brakes were red-hot and untouchable. After jacking up the car and removing the wheels, I was able to release the brakes, and we were able to drive home cautiously.

Another risk is that, when the brake pads are worn out

So, they need to work harder and hotter to perform their function, this can cause the brake disc to warp, which can lead to the need of changing both brake pads and discs, adding more cost and time to the repair. Indeed this is a very common problem. Our customers leave the brake pads too long and this eventually leads to them wanting both pads and discs. It is important to have your brakes checked and serviced regularly.

Your garage mechanic can check the thickness of your brake pads, discs, and other brake components and determine if they need to be replaced. Here at Pellon Auto Centre in Halifax, UK, we carry out this work on the car’s main service. As I’ve already said, having your brakes checked and serviced regularly can help them last longer and make sure they keep working right.

In conclusion, driving with faulty brakes can be extremely dangerous, and it’s crucial to keep them in good working condition. If you notice any signs of wear or damage, such as squealing or grinding noises, Whether you have reduced stopping power or a soft brake pedal, it’s important to have your brakes checked and replaced as soon as possible. Checking and fixing your brakes on a regular basis can help you find problems before they get worse and can also make them last longer. I know from experience, it’s not very good when you press the brake pedal and the car doesn’t stop. Believe me!