How to spot a brake lag before it becomes a problem – Jalopnik

Brake deceleration or delayed braking is best described as the time it takes for the brakes to bite after the brake pedal is pressed. Brake lag is most common in trucks, buses and other large vehicles with air brakes, where it takes about half a second or more for braking force to be delivered after the pedal is depressed. Although cars with hydraulic brakes may have no noticeable braking delay and are designed to work immediately when you press the brake pedal, neglect or lack of timely maintenance can significantly affect the stopping distance of your ride.

Braking distance refers to the distance your car travels after you apply brake pressure, while braking distance is the total time it takes for your car to stop after you realize you need to slow down. Stopping distance includes other variables such as your reaction time, how hard you press the brakes, the condition of the tire and tread type, and the time it takes for the brakes to respond after you press the pedal. However, a faulty, worn, or defective braking system will take longer to stop your car, and that counts as a delay.

Worse still, fast reflexes and reaction times are not enough to compensate for any braking delays or system failures, especially when stopping at higher speeds, on wet roads or in bad weather. If you feel like the brakes in your car are taking longer to respond or stop the vehicle, the brake pedal feels spongy, or you have to step down to feel the brakes working, you’re most likely experiencing brake lag, which also means it’s time to give your junk car some much-needed attention and brake service.

For example, insufficient or contaminated brake fluid can cause low pressure in the system, leading to weak, spongy, or sluggish brakes. Brake fluid should be flushed and refilled at least every 2 years or 50,000 km. The fluid will eventually break down due to heat cycling and moisture contamination, so it is imperative to use only fresh brake fluid and not fluid that has been sitting in an open bottle for who knows how long.

Meanwhile, worn brake pads, a bad brake booster, a faulty master cylinder, or leaking brake lines can all contribute to weak braking or braking lag. Other factors to consider include worn shock absorbers, which can affect the tire contact patch and directly contribute to longer braking distances.

Either way, brake retardation and brake fade will make your vehicle harder to stop. Reducing brake fade in a performance car requires a lot of testing and aftermarket parts, and usually involves switching between organic and ceramic brake pads and slotted or drilled brake rotors, as well as replacing brake lines and upgrading the brake fluid.

In the meantime, the best way to prevent brake lag is to keep your vehicle’s brakes in top condition. Replacing the rotors when replacing the brake pads is a great idea, although the brake rotors typically last longer and require fewer replacements than the brake pads. As with routine car maintenance, consulting the owner’s manual and following the manufacturer’s recommendations for brake maintenance is an excellent way to avoid later brake failure and expensive repair costs.