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Unless you need to replace your brakes because of wear there should not be any problems with coming to a safe stop when you need to. The existence of the newer calliper brakes instead of the old fashioned drum type ensures that you can feel comfortable behind the wheel. Tyres also contribute to your ability to come to a stop in an effective manner. There can be times though when your brakes could falter and you should understand what to do if the brakes fail.

1. Stopping Your Vehicle if You Have Soft or Spongy Brake Pedals

Soft or spongy brakes are a condition which occurs when a leak in the system exists. It could be that your brakes are leaking fluid, so that when the brake is depressed the force behind the movement is less than normally desired on the brake callipers. As the brake is depressed the pads move onto the disc to create a situation with friction. The wheel begins to slow. The stopping mechanism of the vehicle is a closed loop, which means fluid should not be able to leak.

When a leak exists the pressure is less, but it is not nonexistent. Instead the brakes will feel soft under your foot. They may not react as quickly to stop the car as they have in the past.

If this happens to you, the best thing to do is apply a mild pumping action to the brake pedal. This will build up some pressure and have you stopping in a safe manner. In order to avoid a complete failure of the brake system you will want to have a mechanic inspect your vehicle.

2. What To Do if Your Brakes Fade and How To Keep it From Happening

The first thing to know is what brake fade is so that you can prevent it from happening. If you have had to use your brakes repeatedly because you are descending a steep grade or are driving fast which could mean you have had to brake in a quick manner, you could experience brake fade. The brakes themselves are overheating and the brake fluid is getting extremely warm. This shouldnt occur if you are driving normally.

The best way to stop brake fade before it occurs is to drive in a slightly different manner when going down a long hill or when you must use your brakes to stop yourself in a continuous high speed situation. If brake fade does happen it wont be a lasting effect. Once the brakes have a chance to cool they will be fine. Use a lower gear on steep hills and the engine brake when you need to stop frequently at high speeds.

3. Options You Have For When Brakes Fail Completely

If you are confronted with total brake failure you need to pump the pedal to see if you can get back some brake pressure. This works to help you stop, but just as importantly lets drivers behind you know that you are trying to stop your car. As fast as you can change gears descending to a lower gear, you will also want to apply the handbrake in an effort to come to a complete stop.

If a crash is inevitable because you cannot get the car stopped, try not to panic. Look ahead to see what is in your path. You may be able to cushion the blow by choosing a parked car or low wall to hit. This would keep injuries to a minimum and damage to your vehicle minimal as well.

Effective car brakes are vital for road safety, and so is making sure that you have checked that all your Car Bulbs are in good and effective condition. Night driving can be stressful if you have dull and weak car lights and so it is a good idea to fit Brighter Headlight Bulbs to help you see more clearly in the dark.

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