What's the matter with the car not starting and the brake pedal being hard to press?
2 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.