Brake fault
Brake Failure: What to Do and How We Recover You
Brake failure is one of the few faults on this list that's a genuine emergency rather than just an inconvenience. A pedal that suddenly goes soft, sinks to the floor, or gives noticeably less stopping power than usual needs to be treated seriously and immediately, not driven through to the next junction.
If you can get the car stopped safely, don't attempt to drive it again until it's been checked. We recover brake failures across Birmingham, Solihull, Sandwell and the Black Country and won't recommend driving the car under its own power in this situation.
If it happens while you're driving
Ease off the accelerator, downshift to use engine braking, and apply the handbrake gradually and firmly rather than yanking it, which can lock the rear wheels. Pump the brake pedal a few times, since a soft pedal sometimes builds a little pressure with repeated pumps even if it won't hold constant pressure. Aim for a safe run-off, verge, or side street rather than continuing at speed.
Common causes of sudden brake failure
A hydraulic fluid leak from a corroded brake line, a failed master cylinder, or a burst flexible hose are the most common causes of a pedal that suddenly goes to the floor. Contaminated or badly overdue brake fluid, or a caliper that's seized, can also cause reduced or uneven braking, though usually more gradually rather than a sudden total loss.
- Fluid leak from a line, hose or master cylinder — pedal sinks to the floor
- Air in the brake system — pedal feels spongy rather than firm
- Seized caliper — uneven braking, pulling to one side
- Overdue or contaminated brake fluid — gradually reduced performance
Why we won't drive it, and why you shouldn't either
Once brakes have failed even partially, there's no reliable way to know how much stopping power remains, or whether it could fail completely without warning. We load brake-failure vehicles onto a flatbed rather than drive or tow them on their wheels, and this isn't something we'd recommend anyone attempts to drive to a garage themselves either, however close it is.
After recovery
Once the car's at a garage, a full brake system check is needed before it's driven again — not just the obvious leak or fault, since a system that's failed once can have more than one issue contributing, particularly if fluid or a component has been neglected for a while.
Questions we get asked
Is it ever safe to drive a car with reduced braking to a garage myself?
No, we'd strongly advise against it. Braking is too critical to gamble on, and a partial failure can become total without warning.
What should I do the second I notice the pedal is soft?
Ease off the accelerator, use engine braking by downshifting, apply the handbrake gradually, and aim to stop somewhere safe rather than continuing.
Will you tow my car or load it if the brakes have failed?
We load it onto a flatbed rather than tow it, since towing relies on the towed vehicle having working brakes of its own.
Can low brake fluid cause this?
Yes, a leak causing low fluid is one of the most common causes of a pedal suddenly sinking, and it needs a proper repair, not just topping the fluid up.
Brakes failed or feeling wrong?
Get stopped safely and call 07402 666 687 immediately — we'll recover your car without you having to drive it further.