What causes sudden brake stiffness at lower temperatures?
2 Answers
The main reasons for sudden brake stiffness at lower temperatures are as follows: 1. Vacuum booster pump leakage or malfunction. It's important to know that the force we apply to the brake pedal is amplified by the brake booster pump. If it fails, braking becomes difficult, meaning what was previously assisted by the vacuum force of the brake booster now relies solely on foot pressure, a difference that's easily noticeable. 2. Pressing the brake after the engine has been turned off, which is also related to the brake booster pump. 3. The brake booster pump only continuously generates vacuum when the engine is running. When the engine is off, it relies solely on the residual vacuum assistance, which typically depletes after a few presses. However, this condition will be restored after restarting the engine and is not considered a malfunction.
When driving in cold weather, especially when the temperature is very low, it's quite common to suddenly feel the brake pedal become stiff and hard to press. I've experienced this before—heading out in the morning and feeling like I was stepping on a rock when braking, with no assist at all. The main reasons are related to the impact of low temperatures on the braking system: First, brake fluid thickens and congeals in the cold, reducing its flow and impairing pressure transmission. Second, the vacuum booster may fail, as low temperatures can cause insufficient engine vacuum or internal pipe freezing, leading to loss of assist. Another possibility is loosening due to metal components contracting. Remember, if the brakes feel stiff, slow down and pull over safely—don’t force them. Safety first! It’s best to check the brake fluid quality in advance and use antifreeze-type fluid. Regular maintenance can prevent this issue. My experience in northern regions is to replace the fluid before winter and warm up the car for a few minutes.
