Posted on 7/29/2025

Brake failure is a situation every driver hopes never to face, yet it demands clear thinking and fast, informed action. When you press the brake pedal and nothing happens, panic is a natural response. But knowing what to do in the moment and how to prevent it from happening in the first place can make all the difference between a close call and a serious accident. Though today’s braking systems are highly dependable, no vehicle is immune to mechanical failure. Understanding what causes brakes to fail, taking the necessary steps if it happens to you, and reducing your risk will help you stay safer on the road. How Your Brakes Work Your car’s braking system relies on hydraulic pressure to function. When you press the brake pedal, that force travels through a network of brake fluid-filled lines to calipers or wheel cylinders. These, in turn, press brake pads or shoes against rotors or drums, generating the friction needed to slow or stop your vehicle. If a ... read more