What to Do When the Brake Pedal is Hard to Press?
2 Answers
If you encounter brake failure while driving, the following solutions can be applied: 1. Press the brake pedal multiple times to increase the chance of restoring braking force. In case of unexpected brake issues, repeatedly pressing the brake pedal several times can apply pressure to the brake system where air might be trapped in the oil pipes. This repeated action may help restore braking force. 2. Turn on the hazard lights to alert surrounding vehicles. In the critical moment of brake failure, most drivers focus only on slowing down the vehicle but forget to warn nearby cars. While decelerating, turn on the hazard lights and honk the horn to alert surrounding vehicles, then call for emergency assistance. 3. Engage the handbrake. If you have a mechanical handbrake, pull it up slowly to gradually increase braking force. A sudden, forceful pull could lock the rear wheels and cause dangerous skidding. For electronic handbrakes, you can also operate them, but pay extra attention to steering control. Simultaneously, downshift gradually to utilize the engine's braking effect to reduce speed. 4. Use friction to decelerate. Look for objects on either side that can be used for controlled collision. Remember not to crash head-on; instead, hold the steering wheel firmly and use multiple slight collisions to forcibly reduce speed.
I've been driving for twenty years, and brake failure is no joke. If you suddenly find the brake pedal as hard as a rock, don't hesitate—turn on your hazard lights immediately! It's most likely the vacuum booster pump failing, possibly due to a leak in the pipeline or a stuck check valve. A few months ago, my car had this exact issue, and it turned out there was a small crack in the booster pump's connecting pipe, causing the vacuum to fail after the engine shut off. But at the time, I was on the highway, so I immediately downshifted to use engine braking and coasted along the emergency lane until I could pull into a service area. Remember, if you ever face this situation, don't just stomp on the pedal mindlessly—try pumping it rapidly two or three times; you might build up some hydraulic pressure. When I finally got it to the repair shop, sure enough, the vacuum hose was cracked.
