What's the matter when the brake pedal is hard and the car won't start?
3 Answers
The reasons why the brake pedal is hard and the car won't start: 1. The car's vacuum booster pump is leaking or malfunctioning; 2. There are too many impurities in the brake master cylinder, poor sealing, vacuum booster pump failure, or dirty brake fluid; 3. Mixed brake fluid causes vapor lock after heating, leakage in the brake master or slave cylinder, or air leakage in the air tank or pipeline interface; 4. Improper operation leading to mechanical failure. Correct braking methods: 1. When driving at low speed and encountering sudden events ahead, emergency braking can be applied by pressing the brake pedal firmly; 2. During normal driving conditions, gradual braking is recommended. Press the clutch pedal while releasing the accelerator pedal, shift to a lower gear, and after the speed decreases, release the clutch pedal and press the brake pedal until the car stops; 3. On long downhill slopes in mountainous areas or situations where continuous braking may cause high temperatures, intermittent braking by alternately pressing and releasing the brake pedal can effectively prevent the braking system from overheating.
Last time I was driving, I encountered a situation where the brake pedal was hard to press and the car wouldn't start. It was quite scary, but fortunately, I knew some basic knowledge. A hard brake pedal is most commonly caused by a problem with the vacuum booster, which relies on the engine running to create vacuum assistance. If the car isn't started, there's naturally no assistance. Failure to start is often due to a dead battery or a faulty starter. If there's no cranking sound at all, it's most likely a dead battery. Check if any fuses in the fuse box are blown or if there's a leak in the booster hose. Remember not to force it—don't try to drive the car in this condition. Turn off the engine immediately and find a professional repair shop for inspection to prevent accidents. The battery should be replaced every two years, and regular maintenance of the booster system can help avoid such issues. Safety is far more important than saving money.
I often help friends with car repairs, and encountering a situation where the brake pedal is hard to press and the car won't start is not uncommon. The key lies in understanding that the braking system relies on vacuum assistance. If the engine isn't running, there's no vacuum supply, causing the pedal to become as stiff as a board. Starting issues could be due to a drained battery, a stuck starter motor, or a burnt-out ignition switch. If the engine starts but the brake remains hard, the vacuum pump itself might be faulty. It's advisable to first check if the battery voltage is normal; if it's too low, replace or recharge it. Hydraulic fluid leaks can also affect braking, so check if the fluid level meets the standard. Don't delay—immediate inspection can save a lot of future trouble. Before daily driving, quickly press the pedal to test if the assistance is smooth.
