Why does my car take longer to brake?
During driving, the performance of the braking system is directly related to driving safety. When you notice that your vehicle's braking time is significantly longer, this may not only increase the risk in an emergency, but may also be a sign of a problem with the vehicle's braking system. So, what exactly causes the extended braking time? Let’s delve into the mysteries of car braking systems and find out.
1. Basic overview of braking system
The automobile braking system mainly consists of three parts: brake, brake transmission device and brake control device. Among them, the brake is installed on the wheel and converts the kinetic energy of the vehicle into heat energy through friction, thereby achieving deceleration or parking; the brake transmission device is responsible for transmitting the braking force generated by the brake control device to the wheel brake; and the brake Control devices include components directly controlled by the driver, such as brake pedals, handbrakes, etc.
2. Analysis of the reasons for longer braking time
2.1 Brake pad wear
Brake pads are key components in brakes and will gradually wear out over time. When the thickness of the brake pad is reduced to a certain extent, the friction provided by it will also be weakened accordingly, resulting in an increase in braking distance and longer braking time. Therefore, regular inspection and replacement of worn brake pads are important measures to maintain braking performance.
2. 2 Aging or insufficient brake fluid
In a hydraulic braking system, brake fluid is the medium that transmits braking force, and its quality and quantity are both crucial. Long-term use or poor sealing will cause the brake fluid to deteriorate and absorb water, thereby reducing its boiling point and transmission efficiency, affecting the brake response speed. In addition, insufficient brake fluid will directly lead to insufficient braking force transmission and prolong braking time.
2.3 Brake disc/drum is uneven
The surface of the brake disc (disc brake) or brake drum (drum brake) should be flat and smooth to ensure close contact with the brake pads and produce uniform friction. If the surface of the brake disc/drum is uneven, corroded or deformed due to overheating, it will seriously affect the braking effect and make the braking time longer.
2.4 Air or oil leakage in the brake system
In a hydraulic brake system, any form of air or oil leakage will cause a reduction in braking force. Air leakage may be caused by loose pipe joints, aging seals, etc.; oil leakage may be caused by rupture of oil pipes, poor sealing, or oil seal failure. These problems will prevent the braking system from working properly and extend the braking time.
2.5 ABS system failure
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) is one of the standard configurations of modern cars. It can prevent the wheels from locking during emergency braking and improve braking stability and safety. If the ABS system fails, such as sensor failure, control unit failure, etc., it may affect the distribution and adjustment of braking force, resulting in longer braking time.
3. Countermeasures
3.1 Regular inspection and maintenance: According to the recommendations of the vehicle owner's manual, regularly inspect and maintain the brake system, including brake pads, brake discs/drums, brake fluid, etc.
3.2 Replace worn parts in time: Once the brake pads, brake discs/drums and other parts are found to be seriously worn, they should be replaced immediately to avoid affecting the braking performance.
3.3 Keep the brake fluid clean and sufficient: Change the brake fluid regularly to ensure that there are no impurities and moisture in the braking system, and check whether the brake fluid level remains within the normal range.
3.4 Pay attention to driving habits: avoid frequent emergency braking to reduce excessive wear and load on the braking system.
3.5 Professional maintenance: If you suspect that the brake system is faulty, you should go to a professional maintenance shop for inspection and repair in time. Do not disassemble or repair by yourself.
To sum up, the extension of braking time is often closely related to multiple aspects of the braking system. By understanding these reasons and taking corresponding countermeasures, we can effectively protect the performance of the car's braking system and ensure driving safety.