When
you are driving your vehicle, you may encounter a situation in which
you have to slam on your brakes. While this is necessary to avoid a
potential collision, the act of hitting your brakes suddenly and with
force can do some damage to your vehicle and car performance. Here
are some things that can happen if you slam on the brakes too often.
Wear
Out Your Anti-Lock Brake System
A
vehicle's anti-lock brake system, commonly known as ABS, helps to
keep the wheels from locking up and causing the vehicle to skid on
the roadway. ABS is a safety feature on most cars. If you hit the
brakes too hard, your ABS can trigger when it really is not
necessary.
If
your ABS turns on when you do not truly need it, the system will wear
out sooner than it otherwise would. This results in poor brake
performance. If you see the ABS light illuminate after a hard brake
hit, it could mean your system needs attention.
Cause
the Brake Pads to Overheat
Another
downfall of regular brake slams can result in the brake pads
overheating. The brake pads contact the rotors and cause the friction
necessary to stop the vehicle. If you suddenly hit the brakes after
driving at a high rate of speed, it creates stress on the suspension
and creates excess heat.
If
your brakes overheat, the pads will deteriorate faster and warp the
rotors. Both of these issues will cause premature wear and tear on
the brakes, causing them to fail sooner than they normally would.
You
can tell when your brake pads are having problems if they make a
squeaking or crunching sound when you brake, if your steering wheel
shakes when you try to brake, or if your brake light illuminates on
the dashboard.
Wear
Out the Drive Shaft
The
goal of a drive shaft is to deliver torque from the engine to your
wheels. This part of the car is essentially what allows the wheels to
turn. This ball and socket type structure lets the wheels move in
different directions. If you slam on the brakes, the ball and socket
can disconnect between the engine and the wheels.
If
you notice a vibration when you accelerate, rattling sounds, or
resistance when you turn the wheel, chances are your driveshaft needs
attention.
Hurt
the Brake Hoses
As
you press the brake pedal, it causes brake fluid to move through
brake hoses, signaling the car to come to a stop. When you slam on
the brakes rapidly, heat and pressure builds up and can cause the
hoses to crack and tear. The damage results in leaks of brake fluid,
which will deteriorate the brake pads.
If
you do not keep your brake fluid at the proper levels, your brakes
will eventually stop working altogether and cause major problems when
you drive.
If
you see your brake light illuminate on the dashboard along or your
car will not stop when you press the brake pedal all the way to the
floor, your brake hoses should be checked immediately.
Wear
and Tear on the Tires
The
brakes have a lot to do with the performance of your tires. When you
hit the brakes fast, this can cause flat spots to form on the tires.
This is due to the sudden lock-up of the brakes. The sudden stop of
the tires causes them to slide on the pavement on one area of the
tire, which creates a flat area. Sudden braking means you can
eventually have a blown tire.
If
you need any assistance with your vehicle's brake system, please
contact us at Dualtone.
