All control questions / Brakes

Control questions about brakes

Brake pedal, brake booster and handbrake: how to check that the car can stop safely.

1. How do you check that the brake pedal is working properly?

   I press the brake down, and I must not be able to push it all the way to the floor.

   If the pedal goes all the way to the floor, there may be air in the brake system, too little brake fluid or a leak. The pedal should feel firm and stop well above the floor.

   How to show it on the car:

   1. Sit in the driver's seat.
   2. Press the brake pedal down firmly and hold it for a few seconds.
   3. Show that the pedal stops well above the floor and doesn't slowly sink.

2. How do you check whether the car has a brake booster (vacuum booster)?

   With the engine off, I press the brake a few times and hold it down. When I start the engine, the pedal should sink slightly.

   The brake booster uses vacuum from the engine. When the engine starts, it begins to assist and the pedal sinks slightly. If nothing happens, the booster isn't working and you have to press much harder to brake.

   How to show it on the car:

   1. With the engine off, press the brake 4–5 times until it feels hard.
   2. Keep the pedal pressed and start the engine.
   3. Feel the pedal sink slightly as the engine starts.

3. How do you check that the handbrake works?

   I start the car, give it a little gas and see if it moves forward.

   With the handbrake on, the car should stay put when you give it a little gas. If it moves forward, the handbrake isn't holding well enough.

   How to show it on the car:

   1. Apply the handbrake or the electronic parking brake.
   2. Start the engine, select first gear (or D) and gently give a little gas.
   3. Show that the car stays put.

4. How do you check that the brakes work?

   The pedal must feel firm and not go to the floor. The car must stop straight without pulling to one side.

   The pedal must be firm and the car must stop in a straight line. If it pulls to one side, the wheels are braking unevenly and the brakes need checking.

   How to show it on the car:

   1. Drive forward slowly in a safe place with no other traffic.
   2. Brake firmly with a light grip on the wheel.
   3. Feel that the car stops straight without pulling to one side.

5. How do you check that the ABS brakes are working?

   The ABS light should come on briefly when the ignition is switched on and go out once the engine has started.

   ABS stops the wheels locking under hard braking, so you can still steer around obstacles. It is normal for the pedal to vibrate when ABS works. If the light stays on, there is a fault.

   How to show it on the car:

   1. Switch the ignition on and point to the ABS light on the dashboard.
   2. Start the engine and show that the light goes out.

6. What does it mean if the red brake warning light comes on while driving?

   The handbrake is on, or the brake fluid is low. I release the handbrake or stop somewhere safe.

   The red brake light can mean the handbrake isn't fully released or the brake fluid is low. If it stays on with the handbrake released, don't drive on until the brakes have been checked.

7. How can you tell if the brake discs are worn?

   Look through the wheel rim: the disc should be smooth and even, without deep grooves or a noticeable ridge at the edge.

   You can often see the brake discs through the openings in the wheel rim. A worn disc has a visible ridge at the edge and deep grooves in the surface. Worn brake pads and discs increase braking distance.

   How to show it on the car:

   1. Look through the wheel rim and point out the brake disc.
   2. Explain that the surface should be smooth and there should be no large ridge at the edge.