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Comment by lttlrck | Hacker News Reader

Brake pads and discs last longer yes. But brake calipers can seize if left unmaintained, especially in northern states that use salt on the road (and this may be worsened if they are used less). Brake fluid is hygroscopic and should be replaced every 2-3 years regardless of use, otherwise corrosion can occur in the brake lines. There are plenty of hydraulic and mechanical items on BEVs to keep small shops busy.

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The current brakes and fluids are built on the assumption they'll be heavily used and wear out. We're already seeing changes in response to the new situation, e.g. using lighter, less corrosion prone metals so I'd expect to see continual improvements in this over time.

https://www.designnews.com/automotive/lightweight-aluminum-b...

Tesla's have a 2 year maintenance cycle. They replace the brake fluid, the cabin air filter and do an inspection.

Brake fluid is one of the last somewhat frequent maintenance items. It looks like newer Tesla's have all electric breaks so technically there's very little reason you would need a mechanic since replacing the air filter is easy (at least compared to brake fluid changes).

All electric brakes? Do you mean that there is no mechanical / hydraulic link between the pedal and the pads?

What happens when the power fails?

It’s probably similar to how planes have red and at links.

Planes have what? I think that your text-to-speech understood you improperly, but I cannot figure out what it was.

My guess is “red and at” -> “redundant”

We need a text-to-speech-mishaps-translator.

-I guess the brakes need power to be disengaged against a spring force; this is quite common on electric motors in industrial use.

So, power fails? It stops. Quickly.

I mean it's common in air brakes used in commercial trucks as well. If air pressure is lost the brakes close: That's the failure condition.

Done likely because these vehicles are larger and hydraulic brake fluid runs the risk of boiling (air compresses unlike fluid) and/or catching fire.

As for brake fluid and fires, I had a neighbor's Ford Explorer (more like Exploder?) catch fire while parked and it burned down to the chassis due to this: https://www.cozen.com/admin/files/publications/Motor_Vehicle...

Also because running hydraulic brake lines to trailers is impractical.

Is it though? I grew up on a farm and we have had implements with detachable hydraulics.

Okay, less practical. Imagine trains had hydraulic brakes. Just another thing to go wrong.

Around here a problem with discs and brake pads as well and forb electrical vehicles in particular.

Wear keeps rust at bay but when they don't get enough wear to remove rust it can make the discs uneven and at that point it can easily spiral out of control.

I mean, I've had this happen a few times (I drive a manual, looking ahead and coasting/timing to avoid full stops means I'm light on the brakes.)

But every time, it's exhibited as a 'pulsing' feel on the brakes that is alarming before it is dangerous. I suppose to the untrained it could be confused for ABS kicking in but to me it's a very distinct feeling.

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