Brake Repair In Hollywood - Movie Myths About Cars

Brake repair and maintenance is necessary to keep drivers and pedestrians safe, but that doesn't mean if you delay some work that your vehicle will suddenly explode. Hollywood movies have propagated several myths about cars, many of which revolve around either seemingly horrible braking systems or magical ones. Brakes seem to fail at just the right moment or are able to screech to a halt from 100mph in a split second. Then there are the cars that suddenly burst into flames or flip over due to a braking malfunction. But rest assured it's all for show and not grounded in reality. Here are some Hollywood braking myths busted.

Malfunctions:
In the classic comedy Cannonball Run a car racer tries to weasel out of a police stop by claiming his car is malfunctioning. While he manages to shake off the cop, he discovers that his brakes really are jammed and won't work, subsequently flipping over his truck. While it may have been comedic gold, there are several reasons why this isn't plausible in reality. Most people upon discovery that they can't hit the brakes would do what most sensible drivers would - pull up the emergency lever to help slow down the vehicle. While it wouldn't abruptly stop a car moving at high speeds, transitioning to a lower gear and gently pulling it up will help the driver slow down and eventually stop. If that isn't an option, the driver could always release the clutch and allow the car to stall. Unless you're driving down a steep hill, losing total control is unlikely.

Vehicular Sabotage:
Drivers must have huge brake repair bills in films, considering their lines seem to be so easily cut by villains. Sabotaging a car's braking system is a common trope in numerous films such as Starsky and Hutch, Superman Returns, and Thirteen Ghosts just to name a few. While severing the lines is possible, it is highly improbable that it will cause a dangerous or even a fatal crash. Few people hop into their cars and rev into high gear. They have to slowly back out of a parking space, which would mean they would need to immediately apply the brakes. Upon noticing the problem, they'd pull up the emergency lever and they'd stop without a fiery crash. Cutting the lines will result in instantaneous failure, whereas timing is the crucial factor in sabotage.

Smoke and Skids:
Have you ever heard your brakes screech to a stop? It happens when you need brake repair and the pads are worn down, or if you slam on them while traveling at high speeds on the roads. Your car, however, won't squeal each time you accelerate or stop, and it certainly won't leave a puff of black smoke behind you. Take the classic film The Road Warrior. Mel Gibson races around the Australian outback, screeching to sharp stops on the dirt roads. While it can happen, it is highly unlikely and the only dust that should be kicked up is whatever is on the ground.