The effect of automotive vehicle braking system failure on driving safety

The paper describes systems responsible for driving safety of vehicles weighing up to 3.5 t. It is focused on selected failures (fouling) of braking systems that are typical during motor cars operation. Simulation testing regarding effect of selected failures (fouling) of braking system elements on braking force and braking efficiency were performed. In order to perform such testing, author of the paper worked out the methodology of testing which is also described here. The test results (partial) are displayed as tables and charts. The negative effect of selected failures on braking force and braking efficiency index is influencing directly on motor cars driving safety. It is also emphasized that it is important to maintain and observe automotive manufacturers’ technical requirements regarding braking system elements such as tyre pressure, tyre tread condition, brake shoes wear, etc. Basing on the test results it is found that excessive wear of tyres and brake shoes wear could be the reason of significant WSH index decrease resulting in faulty car. This can be visible through lower than allowable level of braking efficiency index WSH, which is the basic legal diagnostic parameter of break system condition assessment. Replacing such elements significantly improves braking efficiency index WSH.