Yes, you can technically drive a car with only three functioning brakes, but it is extremely dangerous and should only be done in an emergency to move the vehicle to a safe location. The standard braking system is designed with a hydraulic circuit for each pair of wheels (front and rear) for redundancy. If one brake fails, the system is compromised, leading to significantly increased stopping distances, severe pulling to one side during braking, and a high risk of losing control, especially in panic stops or on wet roads.
The primary risk is the massive imbalance in braking force. For example, if a front brake fails, the car will pull violently toward the side with the working brake. If a rear brake fails, the rear wheels may lock up more easily, causing the car to skid. Modern vehicles are equipped with a brake warning light on the dashboard. If this light illuminates, it's a critical alert of a pressure loss in one of the hydraulic circuits.
| Brake System Condition | Estimated Increase in Stopping Distance from 60 mph | Key Risks |
|---|
| All 4 Brakes Functional | Baseline (approx. 120-140 feet) | Normal, balanced stopping. |
| One Front Brake Failed | Increase of 25-40% | Severe pulling to one side, potential loss of steering control. |
| One Rear Brake Failed | Increase of 20-30% | Increased chance of rear-wheel lockup and skidding. |
| Parking Brake Only | Can exceed 300+ feet | Minimal stopping power, extreme risk of complete brake failure. |
Your immediate action should be to drive with extreme caution at very low speeds, use the engine brake by shifting to a lower gear, and pull over as soon as safely possible. Do not continue to your destination. The vehicle requires immediate professional repair. The braking system is not something to gamble with; its full function is critical for your safety and the safety of others on the road.
