Will the Car Stall When Braking at Idle Speed?
3 Answers
Braking at idle speed will not cause the car to stall. Prolonged idling: Leaving the car running without turning it off for an extended period can be quite fuel-consuming, especially during summer when the air conditioning is on while waiting. In addition to powering components like the water pump, oil pump, flywheel, and transmission input shaft gears, the engine must also maintain the operation of the air conditioning compressor. When the air conditioning system is clogged, it consumes even more fuel, and the air expelled from the vents can also have adverse effects on health. Decline in engine performance: If the car's engine performance noticeably declines, it may be accompanied by increased fuel consumption. This is likely due to issues such as incomplete fuel combustion and increased engine carbon deposits caused by not changing the engine oil, oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter for a long time. Excessive carbon buildup can raise fuel consumption, as carbon deposits accumulate around the valve chamber, sludge builds up, and noise levels increase. This leads to more internal engine carbon deposits, affecting engine performance, making carbon removal essential.
Yes, the engine may stall when braking at idle, which I've also experienced while driving. I remember one time waiting at a traffic light, I gently pressed the brake pedal and suddenly the engine died, startling me into restarting it immediately. The reason is usually that the brake booster system relies on the engine's vacuum assist. If there's a poor seal, such as aging hoses leaking air, insufficient air intake when braking can cause the engine to stall. Additionally, unstable idle speed is another culprit, possibly due to a dirty throttle body or faulty idle air control valve. If you encounter this situation, always pull over to check first—don't delay in traffic. Later, I took my car to the repair shop and spent a small amount to replace the vacuum hose, solving the problem. Regular cleaning of engine components, especially for older cars, can significantly reduce such scares. In short, safety first—don't ignore minor issues.
As an experienced car owner, I can tell you that stalling when braking at idle is quite common, especially in older vehicles. The cause is often related to issues with the vacuum booster pump or its associated hoses. When braking, the booster system requires engine vacuum support. If there's a leak in the hoses or the booster pump is damaged, insufficient vacuum can cause the engine to stall due to inadequate air intake. Other possibilities include faulty engine sensors, such as inaccurate readings from the mass airflow sensor, or a stuck idle air control valve. Addressing this isn't difficult: first, ensure the vehicle is in neutral with the parking brake engaged, and check for unusual smells or sounds indicating a vacuum leak. If needed, consult a professional mechanic for pressure testing and diagnosis. Having driven various car models, I've noticed this issue is relatively rare in Volkswagen and Japanese cars, while American models are more prone to it. I recommend reminding technicians to inspect the vacuum system during annual maintenance to prevent problems before they occur.
