Why can't the Civic's brake be pressed and the engine won't start?

[IsabellaMarie]

Civic's brake can't be pressed and the engine won't start because the owner stepped on the brake several times after turning off the engine, causing the vacuum in the brake booster pump to disappear, making it difficult to press the brake pedal without assistance. Avoid emergency braking at high speeds: When driving at low speeds, you can perform emergency braking if there is a sudden event ahead by stepping on the brake pedal firmly, but this should not be done at high speeds to avoid vehicle skidding or rollover. Slow braking: When driving under normal road conditions, you can apply slow braking. While pressing the clutch pedal, release the accelerator pedal, shift to a lower gear, and after the speed drops, lift the clutch pedal and press the brake pedal until the vehicle stops. Intermittent braking: When going down long slopes in mountainous areas or in situations where continuous braking can easily generate high temperatures, intermittent braking by alternately pressing and releasing the brake pedal can effectively prevent the braking system from overheating.

[McLogan]

I previously encountered a situation with my Civic where the brake pedal was hard to press and the engine wouldn't start. This is usually because the brake booster system fails when the engine isn't running. The Civic's brakes rely on vacuum assist generated by the engine to operate smoothly, so a failure to start will result in a stiff brake pedal. There are many reasons why an engine won't start, the most common being a dead battery, which could be due to battery aging or leaving lights on that drained the power; it could also be a starter motor failure or ignition system issue. It's recommended to first check if the battery terminals are loose, use a multimeter to measure if the voltage is below 12 volts, or try jump-starting the car. If the battery is fine, then check the starter motor and fuses. For safety, don't force the car to move to avoid accidents caused by brake failure, and call a professional mechanic to diagnose the issue as soon as possible.

[DiIsla]

My car is a Civic. One morning, the brakes suddenly became so hard that I couldn't press them, and there was no sound when I tried to start it—totally nerve-wracking! The key issue lies in the engine startup. The Civic's brakes rely on engine-assisted vacuum pressure, so if the engine isn't running, you naturally can't press them. The root cause of engine startup failure is often a dead battery—try jump-starting or replacing the battery. Also, check if the ignition switch or starter is stuck, as a faulty fuel pump could also prevent the car from starting. Regular maintenance should focus on battery lifespan and wiring connections to avoid similar issues. If this happens, stay calm—ask a friend to help push-start the car or call a tow truck to take it to a repair shop. Safety first.

[VonJeremiah]

If the Civic's brakes are hard to press and the engine won't start, it's mostly a chain reaction caused by battery issues. Without the engine running, there's no vacuum assist, making the brakes stiff; engine start failures include dead battery, faulty starter, or clogged fuel lines. A simple check is to see if the battery light is on or if there are any abnormal dashboard warnings; without tools, try jump-starting. Long-term prevention involves regular battery replacement and circuit maintenance.