Typical brake faults outlined
The brakes are a mechanical object and so it is possible that they will develop problems and not function the way that they should be. This is clearly very dangerous because brakes are one of the most important safety elements of a car enabling you to drive safely, both for your own safety and that of fellow road users.
One of the most common types of brake fault results in your car pulling you slightly to one side when you brake which you experience as an unequal force on the car when braking. This usually occurs when the brakes are not correctly adjusted therefore leading to more or less braking on one side and the resultant pull.
Another common problem is when on pressing the brake pedal it doesn't feel quite right or as it normally does. If it feels spongy then this is often caused by there being air trapped in the system, and you should not drive the car in those conditions but get it checked by an expert immediately.
Sometimes you won't have the above problems but the brakes don't seem quite as effective as they were. The wear and tear on brake pads may mean that they need to be replaced, or the brakes may require some adjusting. They can also get overheated, and as with any brake problems you should get urgent assistance.
One of the lights in the car that you might not think much about is a brake warning light, but when it does come on then you need to pay attention because it probably indicates either a system fault or a problem with the pads or the brake fluid being low so again get this checked out.
Finally the hand brake itself can stop holding your car as it should on an inclined plane and can either need an adjustment made or perhaps have the cable replaced. So these are common brake faults that you might encounter as a driver.
Related Articles...
How to help yourself stay safe whilst driving
It is a sad fact, but a fact nonetheless, that there are very rare occasions on which you can just get unlucky and be involved in an accident, whether minor or major, that you are powerful to do...
Online Driving Theory
Why use an online driving theory website when there are also some books in publication that will help you study for your theory test? Well, there are several advantages to online driving theory,...
What to look for when you see a vehicle
Here is a simple check list of things to take into account when you check a used vehicle that you are considering purchasing.
Firstly, look at the engine carefully, and see if you think it has...
What to do when you sell a vehicle
When you sell a vehicle, there are some things that you have to do straight away. As soon as the vehicle is sold you have to tell the DVLA, which stands for the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency,...
Your car and the lights on it
We are all used to seeing cars in the dark, and also seeing their indicators in the day to communicate to other car drivers. But what must you ensure with regard to the lighting of your...
Driving Theory Stopping Distances
Stopping distances refer to the distance that you car is going to travel from the time that you decide that you need to press the brake through the time that the vehicle physically stops...
Tips on buying a vehicle
When it comes to buying a car, many people buy second hand in order to save the costs of a new car which of course often come at a premium having had no previous owner.
However there are risks...
The risk of accidents - some statistics
No-one wants to think that they will be involved in an accident, but being aware that an accident could happen to you and the statistics is important. Accidents happen to ordinary people, so anyone...
Regulations relating to stopping
When you are driving you may not necessarily think much about stopping and simply stop automatically when a light is on red. But infact knowing when you should stop on the road is very important...
The ABC of dealing with casualties
The ABC refers to how to treat casualties if you are involved in an accident but not injured, or indeed if you are at the scene where an accident occurs.
The A refers to the word airway. This...
Back to home page of driving theory test questions