What to Do When the Brake Pedal Can't Be Depressed and the Car Won't Start?
2 Answers
The solutions for when the brake pedal can't be depressed and the car won't start are as follows: 1. It may be due to a leak in the vehicle's brake booster pump or a component failure. Without the booster's assistance, the driver will find it very hard and strenuous to press the brake pedal. If pressing the brake pedal multiple times doesn't restore normal function, the driver should seek out a nearby repair shop to fix the issue before continuing to drive. 2. Because the car's braking system is a hydraulic system. To ensure the brake pads press firmly against the brake disc, a significant amount of force is required. This force is very tiring to apply solely by human effort (foot), so the car's braking system includes a "vacuum booster" system. Simply put, it uses the engine's force (the vacuum suction from the intake system when the engine is running) to assist the movement of the brake pedal.
I remember my car had the same issue last time—the brake pedal was rock hard and couldn’t be pressed down, and the engine wouldn’t start at all, which really stressed me out. Back then, I first calmed myself down, popped the hood, and checked the brake fluid reservoir. The level was noticeably low, likely due to a leak or evaporation. Since the braking system relies on hydraulic pressure, insufficient fluid means the power assist fails, making the pedal stiff. I tried stomping on it a few times, but it didn’t help and might’ve even damaged components. In the end, I called a tow truck to haul it to a nearby repair shop. The mechanic said the vacuum booster pump was faulty, and replacing the part fixed it. So, if you encounter a similar situation, don’t force it—safety first. After turning off the engine, park in a safe spot, prioritize checking the fluid level, and then consider professional repairs, since it’s critical to starting and safety.
