Klerksdorp Midweek, Klerksdorp - The serious accident earlier this month near City Mall, where a taxi’s alleged brake failure led to two pedestrians being critically injured, has served as a terrifying reminder for all Matlosana motorists. While the investigation is ongoing, the incident highlights a crucial vehicle safety issue: brakes rarely fail without warning. There can be nothing more terrifying than hitting the brakes in an emergency only to find the pedal goes soft or the car doesn’t slow down.
The truth is, most drivers think their brakes are ‘fine’ until the moment they discover otherwise.
But brakes don’t fail overnight, warns the Tyre, Equipment, Parts Association (TEPA), an affiliate of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI). There are almost always warning signs, and it is negligent to ignore them.
Dylan Petzer, TEPA National Vice Chairman, explains that a dangerous condition known as ‘brake fade’ often creeps up on drivers.
It typically starts with having to press the brake pedal a little bit further to get the same slowing effect.
“If it’s brake fluid fade, the pedal might feel like stepping on a wet sponge and alarmingly close to the floor,” Petzer says. “If it’s brake pad fade, the pedal might feel hard as a rock but the car just won’t slow down. On a long trip, this is a code-red panic situation and should be avoided at all cost.”
Why brakes fail:
The physics are simple: brakes work by converting motion into heat. They do this using friction - squeezing brake pads against a spinning metal disc. This process creates an immense amount of heat. Brake fade occurs when the system gets hotter than its designed operating range and can no longer grip the disc properly. The system is overwhelmed with heat and simply cannot shed it fast enough.
According to Petzer, the single biggest mistake drivers make is ignoring the brake fluid.
“Everyone worries about brake pads because you can see them get thin,” he notes. “But that bottle of brake fluid is quietly absorbing water over time, lowering its boiling point and preparing to betray you at the worst possible moment. Brake fluid is a service item. It should be completely flushed and replaced every two years, regardless of mileage.”
Holiday driving poses a greater risk
Driving in town, with frequent stops and starts, allows brakes to cool down. However, long-distance holiday driving, especially on steep roads or while towing a caravan, is a different animal. Constantly ‘riding’ the brakes to control speed generates continuous heat with no time to cool off, eventually pushing them past their thermal limit.
The alternative? Use your gears.
“When driving down a steep hill, instead of riding the brake pedal the whole way, shift the car to a lower gear,” Petzer advises. “Let the engine’s natural resistance hold the car’s speed. This way, your brakes stay cool and ready for when you really need them.”
Three signs your brakes need help:
- A Burning Smell: Hot brakes give off a pungent, acrid smell. If you smell this on a long drive, pull over immediately and let them cool for at least 30 minutes.
- Strange Noises: Squealing is often the sound of built-in wear indicators telling you the pads need to be changed. A grinding sound is far worse - it is metal on metal and is destroying your brake discs.
- Vibration: A vibration through the pedal or steering wheel when you brake often means the discs are warped, usually from a previous overheating episode.
“The festive season is coming, and that means long drives, heavy loads, and hot weather,” Petzer concludes.
“Setting off with your loved ones in a vehicle with questionable brakes is irresponsible. Get to an accredited workshop for a pre-holiday inspection. Make sure your car is as ready for the holiday as you are.”
