How to Deal with Hard Car Brakes?
3 Answers
Methods to deal with hard car brakes are: 1. Simply restart the engine; 2. Then try to press the brake pedal firmly to restart; 3. Once the engine is running, the brake booster pump can resume operation, and naturally the brake pedal will return to normal. The brake is a mechanical braking device that can slow down the speed of the vehicle, also known as a decelerator. The car brake pedal is located under the steering wheel. Pressing the brake pedal causes the brake linkage to be pressurized and transmitted to the brake shoes on the brake drum, clamping the brake disc, thereby slowing down or stopping the vehicle. The manual brake in a car is located next to the gear shift, connected to the brake lever.
I remember encountering a situation where the brake pedal suddenly became very stiff while driving, feeling almost impossible to press down—it was terrifying. This was likely due to a leak in the brake vacuum booster system, where the vacuum generated by the engine failed to reach the booster, resulting in a loss of power assistance. When this happened, I immediately reduced my speed, slowly pulled over to the side of the road, and turned on the hazard lights as a warning. Then, I checked the brake fluid reservoir to see if the level was normal. If it was too low, I topped it up a bit to test, but I didn’t risk driving further. Later, I had the repair shop inspect the vacuum hose and booster, and they found a small crack. After replacing it, the brakes worked normally again. Since then, I’ve been extra careful about maintenance, changing the brake fluid annually and inspecting the hoses to prevent aging. If this happens on the highway, it’s even more dangerous, so it’s crucial to develop a habit of regular maintenance to avoid sudden issues.
That day when I was driving to work, the brake pedal suddenly became extremely stiff and hard to press, which really panicked me as a new driver. After some thought, it might be due to a faulty brake booster pump or a vacuum system leak causing the power assist to fail. In such a situation, immediately slow down without making sudden turns, find a safe open area to stop, and turn off the engine to inspect. If the brake fluid level is normal, it indicates the issue lies in the power assist part—it's best not to attempt driving further and directly call for a tow truck or contact a repair shop. Remember, safety comes first; this problem has significant implications, and any steering mishap could lead to serious consequences. During regular maintenance, I always remind the mechanic to pay extra attention to these components, which not only extends the brake system's lifespan but also gives me peace of mind.
