Can I Drive with a Broken Brake Line: Safety Rules to Consider

We often take the braking system of our vehicles for granted. as far as vehicle maintenance goes, most people are primarily concerned about changing the oil and filters as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. But people forget that the vehicle that accelerates also needs a very effective braking system.

Brake fluid problems highlights

• Level of urgency:super-urgent
• DIY diagnostics:usually,impossible
• DIY repairs:impossible
• Price for repair:$250 - $650
• Common symptoms:pedal goes to the floor, braking efficiency low, leaks
• Commonreasons:brake lines leaking, low fluid,badfluid
• If ignored:no brakes, getting into accidents, poor safety when driving

Brake lines

Your car has a hydraulic braking system. This system has several components, such as a master cylinder, brake fluid reservoir, brake caliper pistons, rotors, and of course, brake lines. When you step on the brake pedal, a return spring in the master cylinder is decompressed together with the brake fluid.

The pressure is transferred to the brake caliper pistons, which reduces the wheel's speed hence the car speed. The high-pressure fluid which makes the calipers and the brake pads tighten their grip on the brake rotors travels through the brake lines.

Brake lines are made of stainless steel, steel, and in some cases, aluminum. For ardent off-road drivers, the quality and state of the brake lines are of concern. This is because brake lines are located beneath the vehicle's body and can be subjected to a harsh environment. But there are a few disadvantages for every type of material used to make brake lines.

How do you know the brake lines are broken?

Brake lines play a critical role in the way your car functions. Brake lines in good operational order ensure that whenever you apply the brakes, the car will slow down or stop as required. If the brake lines are faulty, the safety of the car occupants and the car itself is jeopardized. Here are the main signs you might observe when the car's brake lines are broken:

1) If you can push the brake pedal to the floor

One of the greatest concerns for any driver is if and when they step on the brake pedal and it goes all the way to the floor with little or no resistance. Several reasons, among them broken brake lines, can cause this issue.

2) Leaking brake fluids

Any leak from your car is not good. Whether it is engine oil, water coolant, or brake fluid, you should have your car checked when you notice a leak. In the case of brake fluid, it should have a dry oil feel, it is clear, but it can be brownish if dirty. You can also confirm if the brake fluid is leaking by smelling it. The smell should be close to that of fish or castor oil.

3) The brake light comes on

When there is a fault in your car's braking system, a warning light will appear on the dashboard. Though the warning light coming on could mean that anything in the braking system could have a problem, it is wise to assume that the brake lines are the culprit.

The best way to solve a brake light issue is to use an OBD II scanner. The scanner will help you to diagnose the problem properly. If you are unsure what could have caused the warning light to come on, consult a professional.

4) Brake lines visibly distressed

If you are a DIY person, you will likely check your car at odd places. You might end up with a torch in hand and checking the vehicle's underbelly. If the brake lines are corroded or damp, it is time to consider replacing them. Damp lines indicate that the lines are in bad shape and leaking very slowly. Catching such a leak in time can save you hundreds of dollars.

5) An empty brake fluid reservoir

This point is very much related to the second one. When brake fluid leaks, the reservoir runs low up to a point it becomes dry. You may fail to notice the leakage if you normally park your car on a grassy lawn. If you notice the brake pedal is soft and ineffective, one of the first places to check is the brake fluid reservoir.

What causes brake lines to go bad?

If you visit the mechanic more than once to have the brake lines checked or replaced, it is time to consider evaluating the conditions you keep or drive your car. Brakes lines rarely break, and few car owners have had to deal with the issue. Even though the lines are made from tough metal, they are subject to natural wear and tear. Here are the leading reasons why you might have broken brake lines;

• Road salt, which causes corrosion
• Moisture which over time corrodes even the toughest of metals
• When the vehicle's underbelly is hit. Even though rare, it may happen if you are a regular serious off-road driver.

Can you drive with a broken brake line?

To answer this question, the first thing one needs to appreciate is the role brake lines play in ensuring the car is drivable. When brake lines break, brake fluids won't reach the tire braking system. A vehicle with leaking brake lines will be a danger to the car's occupants and other road users.

Broken brake lines will almost certainly mean leakage of brake fluid. Total brake failure will likely happen if you continue driving such a vehicle.

Safety factors to consider when you have a broken brake line

As a safety measure, manufacturers usually separate the brake lines, the front brake line, and the back brake line set. The brake sets can also be diagonal, where a brake line controls a left wheel and a right rear wheel, and so on. This means it is highly unlikely for total brake failure to happen instantly. So, whenever you notice the brakes have failed, here are a few steps to follow;

• Pump the brake pedal to create a bit of pressure in the brake lines. Though this will not afford you complete braking control of the vehicle, this exercise will give you some control of the vehicle, and you will be able to stop safely.
• Pull over the moment you realize the brakes have failed. Have the vehicle towed and repaired. If you live in a remote place or where towing services cost an arm and a limb, have a mechanic come over, and they'll do the job in a few minutes.
• Remember, pulling the parking brake at high speed can have many repercussions, many of which are undesirable. You will likely destroy the rest of the braking system when you pull the parking brakes. The vehicle can skid, the rear wheels lock, and the car starts moving sideways. Only pull the hand brake if the car is moving at a low speed.

Repairing broken brake lines

Replacing faulty brake lines is a pretty easy task for any experienced mechanic. It should take a maximum of two hours to replace a set of brake lines. Though easy, it is recommended that you seek professional help replacing or repairing brake lines. A mistake made in repairing the brake system can lead to more damage to your car or, more importantly, a serious accident.

The cost of brake line parts will normally go for around $50. However, the cost will vary from one garage to the next. The total cost of replacing or repairing brake lines depends on the following;

• The number of lines being replaced
• The make and model of the vehicle. The more expensive the make, the more expensive the cost will be.
• Labor charges at the shop.

Conclusion

There is a lot more to the braking system than the brake pedal. The brake lines, as discussed above, play a critical role in making the braking system work and ensuring the vehicle is safe to drive on the roads. As observed earlier, a broken brake line does not automatically mean that the vehicle goes out of control. The manufacturer has considered safety and makes separate sets of brake lines so that failure of one doesn't mean a total failure of the braking system.

It is very risky to pull out of your driveway with a car whose brake lines are broken. Though you might be tempted to add brake fluid as you go to a leaking braking system, it is still very risky because it can lead to more damage to the system. Secondly, a vehicle with compromised brakes is hazardous to you and other road users. The best solution is to have the brake lines repaired. After all, it costs around $200 and, at most, two hours to fix the lines.