How long can you dirve with brakes that don't stop your car if you put them all the way to the floor?

Question

It stops pretty good if I don't put the brakes all the way to the floor. If I have to stop suddenly I swerve a lot.

Answer 1

if safety matters, get them fixed right away. if it does't, it will definity stop when you run into the back of another car, or some other immovable object, which will probably cost your a lot more money, including court costs.

Answer 2

(Humorous answer follows)
Hmmm? Geez well you must be driving slowly while you bump into things to get stopped. I guess you don't mind missing the front grill,the scrapped paint, all the dents, and the trailer hitch sticking out of your radiator., ...is your engine overheating?

It sounds like your brakes are not applying even braking power on all wheels. Several problems might cause the symptom you describe.
1. At least one wheel has a self adjuster or caliper that is too tight, causing that wheel to lock up before the others. If you are not mechanically inclined, take it to a shop. (If you have antilock braking system also known or refered to as ABS, you need to have the ABS system fixed, take it to a shop.

2. Related problem, at least one wheel has no brake lining left. If this is the problem, you will need to replace the drum or rotor and all the brake parts, and replace the self adjustor or caliper.

Things you might do to verify what is causing the problem.
Inspect brake linings on disc brakes, do both sets appear evenly matched for wear? If not you probably have a sticking caliper, get brake system flushed, AND have the caliper either rebuilt or replaced.

For drum brakes on rear axle, see if you can see the self adjuster wheel, you might have to remove the rubber plugs near the bottom on the backing plate. Does the length of screw for the adjusters look even for both wheels? If one screw is longer than the other you will need to replace that adjustor.

By the way, when you are swerving, is only one wheel locking up (skidding) ?

If you don't remember which wheel it is, get out to a dirt road or a parking lot with dirt or gravel in it. Pick a place with no traffic, at a speed of no more than 10 mph, slam on the brakes, turn off the car, and inspect the stopping marks in the dirt. If all appear equal, re-do the test but apply brakes in your normal fashion, and re-inspect the brake marks. What you are looking for is at least one mark that is noticeably either longer or shorter than than the others, it is also possible (though only slightly possible) that you may have one long skid mark, and one short mark.

Long mark indicates brake is too tight.

Short mark indicates either brake lining is worn out, or adjustor is not working, or that you have a leak for that part of the break system. You did not mention that you were having to replace or refill your brake fluid, so if you are re-filling the fluid, you have a leak. and it needs fixed ASAP.


Good luck and don't drive like Tom or Ray.

Bob C.

Answer 3

You are gonna get yourself or someone else killed driving an unsafe vehicle like that. Did you check the brake fluid? That might be the problem. After you put brake fluid in, you have to push up on the rubbery thing on the cap so keep air out. If the problem is not the brake fluid, you need to park it until you can fix it and fixing it should be your number one priority even if you have to give up your smokes or beer or whatever vices you may have, and even if you have to eat cheaper for a week or two. Good Luck.

Answer 4

I know this sounds crazy, but I have been in this situation and believe me, you can drive for probably a couple weeks using you're emergency brake. I did on my Beretta for about a month. It is not safe at all and I wouldn't suggest it to anyone. You can endanger the lives of others and yourself if the emergency brake just stops working.

Answer 5

don't puch the brakes all the way down, that causes the tires to 'lock up' which causes you to swerve because you can't control the momentum of your car. In general it is not a good idea to lock the brakes, thats why most new cars come with ABS

Answer 6

Why? Why are you using like this? you'll get your self, or somebody else killed. Get your brakes fixed. you've 2 strains one for the front, one for the decrease back, and if one line leaks, the different will nevertheless end you, yet in case you lose all of your fluid, you won't be able to end. Get them fixed.

Answer 7

You have probably worn the sensors down - and now need to replace not only the pads but the rotors. Get your car towed - DON'T drive it - to the nearest mechanic that you trust for an evaluation. Repeat - do not drive it! If you would have a small child dart in front of you - I believe you would truly understand the value of a tow truck.

Answer 8

If you keep driving your pads will tear into the rotors and you will have to replace the rotors. Worst case you will also damage the calipers. This will all lead to big buck. Just go check out the brakes. Hopefully you only need pads.

Answer 9

You just answered you own question.
Brakes that don't stop your car.
Your brakes are not wearing the same and that is why the car swerves.
Probaly need to get the rotors/drums turned and new brakes.
Save your own life.

Answer 10

The answear if 0. Stop driving this vehicle until the brakes are repaired.

Answer 11

You should stop driving the car now, and get your brakes checked out ASAP. You could endanger someone's life, if you're having problems stopping.