What Causes Hard Brakes in Cars?
2 Answers
There are several reasons for hard brakes in cars: 1. The car's vacuum booster pump is leaking or malfunctioning. The force applied to the brake pedal is amplified by the brake booster pump. If it fails, the brake loses its assistance, making it difficult to press down; 2. If you encounter brake failure while driving, repeatedly pressing the brake pedal multiple times can apply pressure to the brake system with air in the oil lines. Repeated pressing may restore braking force; 3. Pressing the brakes after the engine is turned off is related to the brake booster pump. The brake booster pump only continuously generates vacuum when the engine is running. When the engine is off, it relies on the residual vacuum assistance, which is not a malfunction.
When the brake pedal feels unusually hard, it is usually due to a problem with the brake booster system. For example, the vacuum pump may not be working or there may be insufficient brake fluid, resulting in an inability to provide easy pressure. When I encounter this situation while driving, especially on the highway, it can be quite stressful as it delays brake response time and increases risk. Another common cause is brake pads contaminated with grease or rusted and stuck, leading to increased friction. Regularly checking the brake fluid level and quality is crucial to avoid leaks or deterioration. It is recommended to visit a professional repair shop for bleeding the system or replacing booster components to ensure driving safety.
