I am going to sound really stupid because I know zip about cars, but lately my break light has been on but i was stupid and never checked my break fluid because my break light always comes off and on, and we all figured it was an electric problem. a few months ago my fluid was just fine, so being a nursing student w/ absolutely no time to spare i looked over even rechecking my fluid like an idiot. well, today as i left for clinicals and had 30 miles to drive i noticed my breaks felt really odd. i was having to press way far down before they would stop. i called someone on the cell and we kindof concluded it was just cold and that may effect it. stupidly i went ahead and got on the highway (:( ) and went on to clinicals because i knew my grade is riding on it. well, on down the highway i noticed that even slowing down was hard. by the time i got there, my brakes were definitely not working right! i was having to slow down a half a block before my stop. we found out that my brake fluid is bone dry!! i put more in, but does anyone know how long a person can drive like that before they loose total brake power? i feel really lucky no one else, nor myself got hurt. could anything else have gotten messed up as a result of driving that way? i've had the flu so i came home, went to sleep, and forgot about my horrible day, and haven't had time to ask a mechanic yet. i am wondering about a leak, too. thank you.
2006-11-17 10:55:24 · 8 answers · asked by Melissa E 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
You have a leak. You need to have it fixed right away. Your pedal is low because when you step on it, you are dumping fluid out of half of your brake system. Brake systems are split to have two wheels on each circuit to help prevent total brake loss. Fill the brake reservoir, then press the brakes several times. A leak that big should leave a puddle.
2006-11-17 11:06:47 · answer #1 · answered by tech 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Normally this indicats a leak. Most likely at the wheel cylinder. If the pads or shoes on your car become wet with fluid they glaze over. This too is bad. Get it taken care of right away. Remember other people beside you depend on you having good brakes.
2006-11-17 19:22:15 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you let it run bone dry like that, you might have some air bubbles in the brke lines somewhere. Not good. just take the car to a brake shop, and ask them to completely flush the brake system. That means, replacing all of the brake fluid.
2006-11-17 19:04:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You were right on the cusp of completely losing your brakes and that would have been a tragedy. Check around your tires and where you park your car for signs of a leak. It does sound like you do have a leak.
2006-11-17 19:03:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
DO NOT drive any further. You have a leak and could have NO BRAKES at all next time you hit the pedal. DO NOT fill the reservoir and drive again - get the car towed and fixed.
2006-11-17 19:02:51 · answer #5 · answered by Dan 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it could be a number of things such as a bad mastercylinder or a cracked brake lining or a blown seal on the caliber. it can be driven like that but you will not have the power like u should.
2006-11-17 19:02:39 · answer #6 · answered by chris c 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get it checked out. If you let it go then your brakes will be completely shot and cause you to get into a serious accident.
2006-11-17 19:02:28 · answer #7 · answered by daddy2knk 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
look at all 4 tires on the backside look for the one that is wet chances are theres your problem or it could be a line
2006-11-17 21:46:31 · answer #8 · answered by royz916 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋