By far the most common cause of brake booster failure is a lack of vacuum pressure. This is usually caused by a loose or cracked hose, which allows air to enter the system.

If your brake booster is not working properly it can result in longer stopping distances as it won’t be able to help you slow down the car.

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Vacuum Brake Booster Check Valve

1. Brake pedal is difficult to engage. When the vacuum brake booster check valve is working correctly, applying pressure to the brake pedal is easy and very smooth.
2. Brakes feel spongy.
3. Brakes stop working.

One of the more common causes for the brake pedal going to the floor is a loss of brake fluid. When you’re out of brake fluid, your brakes simply won’t work. Another possible cause is a bad brake master cylinder. The master cylinder is where brake fluid gets compressed.

What to Do If Your Brakes Go Out

1. Don’t Panic.
2. Try the Brakes Again.
3. Carefully Engage Emergency Brake.
4. Downshift Into a Lower Gear.
5. Safely Get Off the Road.
6. Don’t Turn the Car Off Until You’ve Stopped.
7. Signal for Help.
8. Get Your Brakes Inspected By a Professional.

If your brakes go out, you want to do three things. First, downshift to a lower gear. Second, if you have regular brakes pump the brake pedal fast and hard to build up brake fluid pressure. If the brakes haven’t started working after three or four pumps go on the step three which is use the parking brake.

Do not slam on the brakes. Take your foot off the accelerator and gently apply the brakes. Steer straight ahead to a stop. When you are able to do so safely, pull the vehicle off the road.

At highway speeds a tire blowout can quickly cause an inexperienced driver to panic and lose control. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, tire blowouts cause over 75,000 accidents and kill over 400 drivers each year.