Of all the components of a car, the brake system is one of the most important to pay attention to. If your brakes become worn and damaged, the consequences can vary from minor to catastrophic. Plenty of things can go wrong with your brakes over time, and if you watch out for them, you can easily prevent potential accidents. These are three of the most common issues that affect brake systems in automobiles.
Leaking Fluid
A common issue that can happen to any vehicle owner is leaking brake fluid. If your brake fluid is running low, it is usually a simple situation to resolve. In the short term, a lack of brake fluid will cause your brakes to make odd sounds when you operate them. In the long term, your brakes may sustain damage and cause greater problems that need professional repair. If your brake warning light flashes, that is a clear sign that your brake fluid may be leaking. Your brakes may also feel spongy or soft when using them. In any of these cases, you should check on your brake lines and seek professional help if needed. Driving a vehicle with a brake fluid leak is potentially dangerous, so you should make sure the problem is solved before operating it as usual.
Air In The Braking System
Brake systems are designed to be air-tight, but a number of issues with your system can cause air to seep into the brake lines. Brake pads can become worn over time, and air may be gradually drawn into the system, causing significant problems. Air may reduce the pressure in your brakes and affect the efficiency of the system. A noticeable symptom of this is a spongy feeling when pressing down on them. If left unrepaired, air buildup in your brake system may cause it to fail entirely due to a lack of pressure. If you notice a buildup of air in your brakes, you should seek the help of an auto repair professional immediately.
Overheated Brake System
If you notice a strange chemical or burning smell while driving your car, it may be a symptom of overheated brakes. If your brakes become too hot, it can pose massive safety issues, as they may fail entirely if left unnoticed. A chemical odor is a common sign of overheating, so you should pull over and call a tow truck for the sake of your safety, as well as the health of your vehicle. If your brakes reach the point of smoking, there may be significant damage to the system altogether. Too much heat can cause the brake fluid to boil, which may destroy the functionality of the system. In that case, you will need to replace the entire system, which will likely be quite expensive.