Why does the car brake pedal feel particularly hard when pressed?
2 Answers
There are several reasons why the brake pedal may feel too hard and difficult to press: 1. The car's vacuum booster pump may be leaking or malfunctioning. It's important to understand that the force applied to the brake pedal is amplified by the brake booster pump. If the pump fails, the brake loses its main assistance, making it difficult to press. Additionally, pressing the brake after the engine is turned off is also related to the brake booster pump. 2. The brake booster pump only continuously generates vacuum when the engine is running. When the engine is off, it relies on the residual vacuum assistance, which is usually depleted after a few presses. However, this condition will return to normal after the engine is started again and is not considered a malfunction.
Last time I was driving, I encountered a situation where the brake pedal felt extremely hard to press, almost causing a collision, which scared me half to death. When I took it to the repair shop, the mechanic said it might be an issue with the vacuum booster system. Normally, when the car engine starts, it helps to suck out some air, making the brakes feel lighter. But if the vacuum tube is broken or leaking, there's no assistance, and pressing the pedal feels like pushing a huge rock. The inspection revealed that the pipe had aged and was leaking air, but fortunately, it was replaced in time. Routine maintenance is really something you can't slack on. Before driving, always test the softness or hardness of the pedal. If something feels off, get it checked immediately. Continuing to drive with a hard pedal can lead to failure to stop in time and cause accidents, especially on highways. Safety comes first—don't delay repairs to save money or time. It's always best to take it to a professional shop for repairs.
