As the domestic car market continues to mature, car safety is becoming an increasingly important concern. Along with high-strength car bodies, active brake systems have also become more common.

The brake system can be considered the first line of defense when it comes to preventing accidents. Therefore, the health of the brake system is directly related to driving safety. If you notice any of the following issues with your car's brakes, it's time to pay attention and take action.

1. Soft or Hard Brakes

A soft brake pedal means that the braking power is significantly reduced, which could be due to several causes:

• Low oil pressure: The brake master cylinder or sub-master cylinder may not have enough oil pressure, possibly due to a leak.

• Brake system failure: This could include issues with brake pads or brake discs.

• Air in the brake lines: If you notice that the brake pedal feels slightly higher and springy after pressing it multiple times, this indicates air might have entered the brake system.

On the other hand, hard brakes could be problematic as well. If the brake pedal feels high and stiff when pressed, it might mean that the brake booster's one-way valve has failed.

Recommendation: Whether your brakes feel soft or hard, both are signs of potential brake system issues. You should have your brake system checked immediately and, if necessary, replace any faulty parts.

2. Brake Pulling

Brake pulling, or “brake drift,” occurs when the brake system's left and right brake calipers don't apply even pressure to the brake pads. This results in one side of the car stopping before the other, causing the steering wheel to pull to one side. This issue often occurs when the vehicle is about to come to a stop at high speed.

Recommendation: If you notice this problem, it's best to take your car to a professional repair shop for further inspection. If it turns out to be an issue with the brake calipers, they should be replaced promptly.

3. Brake Shaking

After extended use, it's common to experience brake shaking. This happens when the brake discs wear unevenly, causing the surface to become uneven. When you press the brake pedal, it can result in a shaking or vibrating sensation.

Recommendation: The best solution is to replace the brake discs or have them resurfaced to restore smooth braking. However, if the issue persists, replacing the discs is the most reliable option.

4. Brake Noises

If you hear a sharp metallic scraping sound when pressing the brake pedal, especially in wet weather conditions, this indicates that there is likely a problem with the brake system. The most common cause of this noise is worn brake pads that have become thin, causing the backing plate to rub against the brake disc. It can also be due to poor-quality brake pads or brake discs.

Recommendation: Regularly check the brake pads and discs. If you hear unusual noises, stop the car immediately and inspect the brakes. If the pads are too thin or damaged, they should be replaced right away.

How to Maintain and Care for Your Brakes

1. Regular Inspections: During regular maintenance, always check the brake discs alongside the brake pads to ensure everything is in good condition.

2. Routine Maintenance: Follow the manufacturer's recommended service intervals for brake maintenance, or consult with a professional shop for in-depth brake care.

3. Listen for Unusual Noises: If you hear a sharp screeching or whistling sound when braking, it could indicate damaged brake discs. Pull over and inspect the brakes to prevent further damage.

4. Avoid Cheap Brake Parts: Low-quality or counterfeit brake pads and discs can lead to braking issues, including strange noises and poor braking performance. Always choose original parts for replacements.

5. Replace Worn Brake Discs: Once your brake discs reach their minimum thickness, replace them immediately. Driving with worn-out brake discs, especially when speeding or under heavy braking, can cause brake failure.

The brake system is one of the most critical components of your vehicle, directly affecting your safety on the road. Whether it's soft brakes, brake pulling, shaking, or strange noises, any issue with the brake system should be addressed immediately to prevent accidents. By keeping an eye on your brakes and performing regular maintenance, we can ensure that our cars are safe and reliable.

Lykkers, how often do you check your brakes? Have you ever experienced any of these problems? Let's make sure our cars are always in top condition for safety and performance!