What's the matter with the car not starting and the brake pedal being hard to press?
4 Answers
The brake pedal suddenly becoming hard to press may be because the owner stepped on the brake pedal several times after turning off the engine, causing the vacuum in the brake booster pump to disappear. Without the assistance, it becomes difficult to press the brake pedal. Moreover, the booster pump does not work when the engine is off. In this case, simply try to restart the engine and press the brake pedal firmly. The brake system will return to normal after the engine starts. Here are some braking tips: 1. Braking technique on curves: Before entering a curve, reduce the speed in advance and enter the curve slowly to avoid scraping against adjacent vehicles. Braking while steering on a curve can easily cause the car to skid, so control the speed carefully and keep it slow. 2. Braking technique on downhill slopes: When driving downhill, do not press the clutch when braking. Just shift to a low gear and apply intermittent braking to utilize engine braking for deceleration. If the desired speed is not achieved, repeat the intermittent braking process.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I believe that failure to start the engine and a stiff brake pedal are usually chain reactions caused by a dead battery. Since the engine isn't running, the brake booster system doesn't receive vacuum pressure support, so it's normal for the pedal to feel stiff. You can first check if the dashboard lights are on. If the dashboard lights are off or dim, it's highly likely due to insufficient battery power or poor terminal contact. In this case, it's best not to repeatedly attempt to start the engine forcefully to avoid damaging the starter motor. For safety, immediately shift to P (Park), engage the parking brake, and turn on the hazard lights to alert vehicles behind you. Try jump-starting the car with help from a nearby friend. If it still doesn't work, you'll need to check the alternator or circuit fuses. Regular maintenance, such as monitoring battery life and electrolyte levels, can significantly reduce such unexpected incidents. If the problem occurs on the road, don't hesitate to call for towing assistance immediately.
I've personally experienced this situation, and safety comes first. At that time, the car wouldn't start, and the brake pedal was as hard as a rock, making me sweat with anxiety. Later, the mechanic told me it was because the brake booster fails when the engine isn't running. Common reasons for a car not starting are mainly a dead battery or ignition switch issues. I recommend you immediately pull over to a safe location, check if the key is in the correct ignition position, and see if the headlights or horn work – if they do, the battery might be fine but the starting system could be faulty. Avoid repeatedly trying to start the car to prevent further damage. Remember to ensure your safety and that of others around you, and contact professional repair services or roadside assistance as soon as possible. Bringing a simple battery tester can be very helpful.
As a new driver, I once encountered a similar situation. My initial assessment was that the car wouldn't start due to a dead battery, and the brakes felt stiff as a result. Here's what you can do: First, check if the key is in the ignition position. If the dashboard shows no signs of life, it's likely a battery issue. If the dashboard lights up but the car doesn't start, the problem might be a stuck starter or fuel pump. The stiff brakes are normal because there's no power assist from the engine. You can inspect the battery terminals for looseness or corrosion, try jump-starting, or get a slight push to assist starting. If these steps don't work, it's best to consult a professional mechanic to check the electrical system and vacuum system—avoid DIY fixes to prevent mistakes. Maintaining battery health is crucial; a monthly visual inspection is recommended.
