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Brake failure, at 11.4%, is the second most significant mechanical cause of car accidents on South Africa’s roads, according to the most recent National Road Safety Strategy (NRSS) for 2016 - 2030. The document was published by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), the government appointed agency tasked with ensuring safe, secure and responsible use of the country’s roads.
The report states that mechanical failure may be underreported to a greater degree than statistical evidence indicates and that, on closer inspection, accidents ascribed to poor driver behaviour could very well be the result of unroadworthy vehicles.
Road safety information portal ArriveAlive says that in the case of typical passenger vehicles, brake failure or the phrase “the brakes failed” could mean a number of things. The most common interpretations are as follows:
In cars, it would be the actual brake pads, the master cylinder (the main cylinder near the foot-brake that applies the initial pressure), and the slave cylinder (the cylinder at the wheels) that actuates the calliper seals.
Most importantly too, is to recognise that brake fluid deteriorates with age and braking efficiency is therefore reduced.
The most important danger signals to watch out for are:
“Drivers should acquire a daily habit of vigilance towards their cars”, says
Ary Coetzee, Technical & Product Specialist at tyre manufacturer, Bridgestone South Africa. “Make it a daily habit to do a quick walk around your car and check for strange smells or oil deposits in the vicinity of the parking area before you drive off in the morning. And absolutely never skimp on having your car, including your brakes, tested and checked regularly.”
Supa Quick has over 200 tyre fitment centres in Southern Africa and a national team of more than 4,000 auto fitment experts trained to assist you. We only use quality parts and ATE brakes offer a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.*
Disclaimer: This information is for educational, or entertainment purposes only. The views expressed here are not that of Supa Quick. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information on this site is at your own risk. We will not be liable for any losses and damages in connection with the content on this site.
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