Why Can't the Car Start and the Brake Pedal Can't Be Pressed Down?
3 Answers
The reason why the car can't start and the brake pedal can't be pressed down is due to the steering wheel being locked or the car battery being dead. Below are the specific explanations for these causes: 1. Steering wheel locked: After inserting the key, try turning it in the normal ignition direction. If it can't be turned all the way, gently turn it to the battery switch position. Once the car is powered on, gently move the steering wheel left and right. If the steering wheel can move, then press the brake and start the car. Remember to straighten the steering wheel when parking in the future to avoid the same problem recurring. 2. Car battery dead: After inserting the key, turn it to the battery switch position and observe whether the dashboard behind the steering wheel powers on. If you're unsure, turn on the headlights to confirm again. If the headlights don't turn on, it confirms the battery is dead. At this point, you'll need to jump-start the car or replace the battery. You can call your insurance company for roadside assistance, which typically provides free jump-start services within urban and county areas.
Last time I encountered this issue, it felt quite strange, but later I learned it's a common car problem. Simply put, when your car won't start and the engine doesn't turn on, it affects the braking system because the brakes require the engine's vacuum booster to operate smoothly. If the engine isn't running, the booster pump doesn't work, making the brakes naturally harder to press. A common cause is a dead battery, leading to ignition failure and consequently brake failure. In my case, I checked the battery, and if the charge was low, even the dashboard lights would dim. I recommend first trying to turn the key multiple times to start the car. If that doesn't work, check if the battery terminals are loose or ask a friend for a jump start. For safety, avoid forcing the brake pedal to prevent system damage, and it's best to have a professional check the brake vacuum hose and starter motor. This can really give you a scare, but handling it properly can prevent danger.
A few years ago, my old car had the same issue—it wouldn't start, and the brake pedal was as hard as a rock. It was really embarrassing. At the time, I thought it was a serious malfunction, but a friend told me that this usually happens because the engine isn't running. The brake assist relies on the engine's vacuum, so when the engine is off, the assist is gone, making it naturally hard to press. Possible causes include an aging battery, a faulty starter, or alternator issues. Back then, I called roadside assistance, and they used a multimeter to test it, finding that the battery voltage was too low. Replacing the battery fixed the problem. Since then, I've been regularly checking the battery and brake fluid to prevent similar situations. In daily driving, if you encounter this issue, don’t panic. First, make sure the car is in P or N gear, try turning the key multiple times to start it. If that doesn’t work, seek help instead of tinkering blindly to avoid affecting other components. Safety comes first!
