You should test your brakes after encountering this hazard because they will be wet, and this reduces the friction needed to stop effectively.
When driving through water, such as a ford, a flood, or even deep puddles, your vehicle's braking system components, particularly the brake pads and discs (or shoes and drums on older systems), can become saturated. The provided reference specifically states that after a ford or flood, or even deep puddles, you should test your brakes because they will be wet and this will reduce the friction between the pads and the discs.
Here's why this reduction in friction is critical:
- Reduced Stopping Power: Water acts as a lubricant between the brake pads and discs. This lubrication significantly decreases the friction that is essential for the brakes to grip and slow down or stop the vehicle.
- Delayed Response: Wet brakes may not respond immediately or effectively when the brake pedal is pressed. There might be a delay before the brakes start to work, or they may feel spongy.
- Uneven Braking: Water might not dry off all braking surfaces at the same rate, potentially leading to uneven braking force across the wheels. This can affect steering control, especially during emergency stops.
What is the Hazard?
Based on the reference, "this hazard" refers to driving through areas where water is present, such as:
- A ford (a shallow stream crossing)
- A flood
- Deep puddles
These situations all involve the wheels and brakes being submerged or heavily splashed with water.
How to Test Your Brakes
After driving through water:
- Find a safe, clear area where you can slow down without risk.
- Gently apply the brakes a few times while driving at a low speed.
- You might feel them feel less effective initially.
- The heat generated by light braking will help to dry the water from the pads and discs.
- Repeat this gentle application until the brakes feel normal and responsive again.
Testing your brakes after driving through water is a simple but vital safety measure to ensure your braking system is fully operational before you need to rely on it in traffic or an emergency.
