Will my car be "fine" if I have to drive it without brake fluid for a couple weeks?
Posted by scarletroseknight@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 40 comments
Yes it's a fun question, but I can't afford to get a total brake change right now and my car suddenly leaked all the brake fluid, would it be seriously bad, I already needed new brakes and rotors but the line just leaked everything after work the other night, I drove home very slowly with the hazards on but I need to know if I should expect any other issues while I crawl to and from work before the next paycheck hits and we go to the shop
thedane8@reddit
Just wait until you have an accident and maybe kill someone, then that repair bill will look very pale compared to what you'll be paying out in a lawsuit. Especially as you have put it out there on the net that you can't afford to fix the brakes, but continue to drive it. Finding out you knew the brakes were faulty, but ignore repair will cost you in the end. Be smart, be safe and either fix it or park it until you can afford the repairs.
A_Bot_A_Bot_A_Bot@reddit
If this isn't a troll post:
Seriously: do not drive that car. Do not even drive it to a mechanic. If your car really leaked out all of the brake fluid, or even has a major brake fluid leak (and you still have some brake fluid), your car will be 100% dangerous to be on the road, both to you, other motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, even building and traffic signs. So when you have the money to get it fixed, have it towed to a repair shop. Really: don't even think of driving your car. Any accident and you will be 100% at fault and liable for all damages and injuries.
burnt-beyond-reco@reddit
Please tell me this is a troll post......
Graflex01867@reddit
The troll is gonna get smushed when OP drives off the bridge……
Sig-vicous@reddit
Fine if a friend drives in front of you and you tape some pool noodles to your bumpers.
Personal_Chicken_598@reddit
It’ll only ruin your ABS, master cylinder, and all the body work on the front of your car and the back of the car you hit
Any_Delivery_9158@reddit
Going to be down voted for this one, but just top off the master cylinder before the fluid drops too low (unless it already has, then you need to bleed the system)
Dot fluid is super corrosive so you don't want it leaking but like not a big deal short term and it's water soluble. Depending on where your leak is, it's easy to clean
TheWhogg@reddit
No
cptchnk@reddit
Please don't. Brakes are the most IMPORTANT safety feature on ANY vehicle. If they're not functioning correctly, you're just asking for trouble. Currently, your car is not roadworthy. You really need to consider that.
Is there any way to bike to work in the meantime? You really, really don't want to drive a car that doesn't have functioning brakes. It's very dangerous.
sexandliquor@reddit
“It’s a fun question”
This reads like a “I’m just a girl” ass post.
Stay off the goddamn roads.
mxracer888@reddit
Ya, it'll work great. You'll be one of the very first people at the scene of the crash and you'll probably beat emergency services there by 10-20 mins depending on where you live
Boa-in-a-bowl@reddit
The short answer is no. The long answer is abso-fucking-lutely not. Car brakes work through hydraulic pressure to squeeze the rotors with the pads to slow the car down. Without brake fluid, the brakes just won't work. If you top up the fluid without fixing the leak, it can either run out making you lose brakes on at least one axle, which will quickly overheat the brakes on the other axle reducing their efficacy. Furthermore, if it's leaking from a brake line and you have to slam on the brakes, the damaged line can pop making your brakes suddenly stop working at the worst possible moment.
Slow_S60_@reddit
r/askashittymechanic
Blu_yello_husky@reddit
NO
ConstantAble7379@reddit
You got lucky the first time, but do you want to double down? Brake roulette.
Casalf@reddit
No you won't be able to brake if there's no fluid pushing your brake pads in when you press the pedal. Don't drive it. You are going to kill yourself or someone else driving that shit if all or most of your fluid leaked out. Also, even if you do manage to not leak all of it out you'll certainly introduce air pockets in the lines and that will render your pedal useless.
harrys123456@reddit
if you donnt need to stop/ reduce speed , it will fine.
Majestic_Flower_1322@reddit
I would start sucking dick for money before I drove a car without brake fluid.
SurlyJohn009@reddit
If you are not trolling or joking, that answer is No, do not drive a vehicle with no brake fluid.
You will not stop and you will crash. Period.
Next_Necessary_8794@reddit
Take the bus.
Vego12@reddit
Are u in Kissimmee please let me know so I stay home
MagnetAccutron@reddit
Can we not down vote the troll. ?
Tree_killer_76@reddit
Brake fluid is the hydraulic link between your brake pedal and the brakes. Without fluid, you will have no brakes.
So, no, you cannot drive your car.
MNmostlynice@reddit
Holy shit. We need to require people to pass a basic safety test around vehicle maintenance to get their license.
That car needs to stay exactly where it is at until you can get it towed to a shop. Dead serious. If the brake fluid all leaked out “suddenly” your entire brake system is compromised and needs to be repaired.
QuickCharisma15@reddit
Is your name Fred Flintstone?
Longjumping-Log1591@reddit
Brakes just slow you down. You have places to go!
humpthedog@reddit
Stay off the road you arrogant asshat
herstal54s@reddit
Its a fun question tho
Badassmamajama@reddit
Tried that and after we ran the red light the cop said our brake lights were out. Lol
inlikeflint1234@reddit
I remember having to drive to my dealer to get a new master cylinder with essentially no brakes years ago it's definitely a no go.
Lewa1110@reddit
This is a 7/10 rage bait.
If you are serious, pretend you aren’t
Echterspieler@reddit
It'll be ok if you never plan on using the brakes
BothEnergy1383@reddit
You’re nuts to drive without brakes but who’s to say?
bluephotoshop@reddit
I don’t recommend it. If your car has a parking brake, use it, if it is the old fashioned kind with a lever between the front seats. I had to do that when I broke a brake line and drove to the dealer to get it fixed. Consider using Uber or Lyft instead.
thenew3@reddit
Can you name the state and city you are in so I can avoid it?
nicerakk@reddit
Sure. Driving it won't be affected. Stopping ain't gonna happen tho
No-Relationship-2169@reddit
I mean if you can actually drive 5 mph to work and there’s no hills…. I guess this is workable. Otherwise this is probably boarder line criminal negligence if you get in a crash.
Beautiful_Spread_644@reddit
Absolutely not! Many years ago I drove for about 2 weeks with a bad master cylinder because I just didn’t have the money right away. I constantly added brake fluid and prayed a lot because it was scary! If you have a manual you could downshift to slow down and coast but I would get the brakes down ASAP before you hurt yourself or an innocent person.
oppositelock27@reddit
If this isn't a joke, stop driving immediately. Car is a deathtrap.
Fishvv@reddit
Is this a serious question?? Please do not drive that car