A recent study reveals that approximately one in ten car accidents is caused by a driver pressing the brakes prematurely. If you’re ever in doubt about whether or not to brake, always err on the side of caution and wait for the car to come to a complete stop before applying the brakes.
What Causes a Car to Shut Off When the Brakes Are Applied?
There are a few possible causes of a car shutting off when the brakes are applied.
One common cause is a faulty brake pedal sensor. When this sensor malfunctions, it sends an error message to the car’s computer, telling it to stop braking. This can happen if the sensor is dirty or damaged, or if the cable connecting the sensor to the car’s controller is corroded. In some cases, the sensor can even go out completely.
Another common cause of car shutdowns when brakes are applied is a problem with the brake fluid itself. If the fluid isn’t properly acting as a lubricant between the brake pads and the rotors, the friction can eventually cause wear and tear on these parts. Over time, this can lead to brake failure.
If you’re experiencing car shutdowns when you apply your brakes, there’s a good chance that one of these problems is causing it. It’s important to have your car checked by a mechanic to rule out any potential issues.
How to Fix a Car That Shut Off When the Brakes are Applied
A car that shuts off when the brakes are pressed is usually caused by a faulty brake controller. To fix the issue, you will need to replace the brake controller. In some cases, however, a bad electrical connection may also be to blame. If the car’s electrical system seems to be malfunctioning, you may need to have it repaired.
Preventing a Car from Shutting Off When the Brakes Are Applied
A few years ago, I was driving my car and all of a sudden the car shut off when I applied the brakes. I wasn’t sure what had happened, but it was scary because I didn’t know if the car was going to start again.
Luckily, this doesn’t happen very often, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re ever in that situation.
There are a few things you can do to prevent your car from shutting off when you apply the brakes. Here are four tips:
1. Check your fluid levels. Make sure your fluid levels are correct and topped off. If they’re low, the car may not be able to keep up with the brake demands, and could potentially shut off.
2. Replace your brake pads regularly. If they’re not lasting as long as they should, they may become worn down enough that they cause the car to shut off when you apply the brakes.
3. Check your wheel alignment. Bad wheel alignment can cause your car to over-bounce on the brakes, which can also lead to a shutdown.
4. Get a good quality brake system fluid leak detector.