5 Common Causes Of Brake Failure And Their Solutions

Home / Blogs
5 Common Causes Of Brake Failure And Their Solutions

Brakes are one of the most important parts of your vehicles system, and you should never compromise on their condition. Brake failure is a common issue, yet many people neglect it and don’t pay heed to what needs to be done to avoid it. Therefore, you should know the root cause of its malfunctioning and take steps to avoid any accident resulting from brake failure.

Brake failure can be a life-threatening accident. This blog post mentions the top causes of brake failures and what you can do about them.

Neglect Towards Care

The main cause of brake failure is owners’ neglect. A vehicle’s brakes have a limited lifespan, after which they need to be replaced. Your brake shoes and pads can wear over time, putting you in great danger. Therefore, you must regularly get your vehicle checked by a mechanic to reduce the chances of accidents.

Brake Fluid Leaks

It is another common cause of brake failure. Brake fluid is a liquid that is transferred to the brake discs when you push the brakes. It helps to slow down or stop your car. Brake failure can occur when there is a leak in the brake fluid. You can detect the leakage before heading on the road by checking for any fluid leaking underneath your vehicle.

Distortion In The Discs

Damaged rotor discs can also reduce your brake life. The discs shape can change due to uneven heating and cooling. It produces distortion in the discs, and you may feel shakiness in the pedal. When going downhill in such cases, you should use your engines’ braking system and keep your car in a lower gear. Otherwise, your discs will heat up.

Driving Through Mud

Driving through mud or water will lubricate your brake discs and pads. It creates a slippery situation, and you should take extra precautions while driving. Slow down when driving your vehicle and press the brakes gently to avoid any brake failure.

Overheating Your Brake Pads

Brake pads are responsible for gripping the wheel rotor disc and causing your vehicle to stop. Over usage can heat them and decrease their lifespan, increasing the time it takes to stop the car. Therefore, regularly maintaining your brake pads is crucial to ensure they are in good condition.

Warning Signs Of Brake Failure

Your brakes are one of the most important safety features in your vehicle. Therefore, if you notice any of the following common warning signs of brake failure, it’s time to get your car professionally checked asap.

  • Screeching or scraping sounds when you apply brakes
  • The brake light is on permanently.
  • You have to apply more pressure to stop your car.
  • Your car pulls to one side when you apply the brakes.
  • A burning smell.

What Can you Do About Brake Failure?

Brake failure can be avoided by having your car regularly inspected and keeping your brakes in good condition. Talk to your local mechanic and get his advice on how you can make your brakes last longer. Don’t misuse your car and change its oils periodically to avoid brake failure.

Pump the brake pedal hard several times in case your brake fails. Or, you can drop your car into a lower gear or use the parking brakes to get control over your car. Bring it to a rest position and call a nearby towing company to take your car to a nearby mechanic.

About Action Towing

Action Towing is a reputable towing and roadside assistance service in Edmonton. contact us today for immediate help.

RECENT BLOGS

A place to come for news and updates about our services, our equipment, careers,
what we’ve been up to lately.

March 27, 2026

Commercial fleets in Edmonton face complex road risks every day. A breakdown or collision can do immediate harm. More often, the bigger loss comes from secondary damage that grows after the first incident. Skilled commercial towing services prevent this extra harm and save companies time and money. Heavy commercial vehicles present unique safety challenges. The… Continue reading 9 High Risk Scenarios Where Commercial Towing Prevents Secondary Damage

March 27, 2026

Commercial towing is essential year-round. The weather has a direct effect on safety, timing, and the complexity of each recovery job. Weather changes can create hazards for drivers, tow operators, and heavy vehicles alike. This makes preparation and expertise from professional towing services in Edmonton vital for minimizing risk. Sudden storms and freezing rain demand… Continue reading How Weather Conditions Affect Commercial Towing Operations

March 24, 2026

Commercial towing safety standards exist to protect people, equipment, and business continuity. In Edmonton, commercial vehicle recovery often involves heavy loads, complex traffic conditions, and high financial exposure. These realities make safety controls essential. Commercial towing in Edmonton plays a critical role in keeping fleets moving without increasing operational risk. When recovery work follows recognized… Continue reading Commercial Towing Safety Standards That Protect Drivers and Assets

GIVE US A CALL FOR QUICK VEHICLE
RECOVERY AND ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE