Brake system failures require a two-step approach: emergency response and routine maintenance. In the event of sudden brake failure while driving, the priority is to remain calm and immediately activate the hazard lights. For manual transmission vehicles, downshift to utilize engine braking for deceleration; for automatic transmission vehicles, switch to manual mode and downshift progressively. With electronic parking brakes, apply sustained pressure rather than intermittent taps to prevent lock-up, while intermittently applying the conventional handbrake lightly to assist braking. For routine maintenance, conduct targeted diagnostics to identify the root cause. Excessive brake pedal travel may indicate insufficient DOT4-standard brake fluid or air in the hydraulic system, necessitating fluid replenishment or system bleeding. Brake noise typically results from severely worn pads (below 3mm thickness) or scored rotors, requiring pad replacement or rotor resurfacing. Replace brake fluid biennially or every 40,000 km, while regularly inspecting pad thickness and hydraulic line integrity to prevent heat-induced fade during prolonged downhill braking. Professional servicing mandates torque wrench use for component installation, followed by mandatory road testing to verify balanced braking performance and ensure operational safety.
