Why do the brakes on cars [and i imagine trucks and busses too] not work when the engine is not turned on?

Question

Why do the brakes on cars [and i imagine trucks and busses too] not work when the engine is not turned on?

Answer 1

They do but are not as effective and require more effort to operate.

By the way, there used to be a racing series in Czech republic, Europe, where cars were driven downhill with engines off and slowing down for corners using just non-assisted brakes!

Think of it as the Pikes Peak downward with no engine ;-)

Answer 2

try turning your car while its off too, but make sure the keys on.  Its harder cuz you have power brakes and power steering.  Its to assist you to make it easier to do so, this way you can pay attention to the road and not on your turning or braking

Answer 3

Brakes on cars are power or power assisted.  They do work, it just takes more pressure to work them.



Trucks and buses have air brakes for their parking brakes.  Once the button on the dash is pulled, the air is expelled from the brake chamber and that vehicle isn't going anywhere until the air is recharged to the brake chambers.

Answer 4

most of the cars and trucks on the road now have POWER brakes, or POWER ASSISTED brakes-so with no engine power, you have no power brakes. BUT you should still be able to slow or stop the vehicle if the engine dies-by pushing as hard as you can on the brake pedal.

Answer 5

As far as I know, they still work. The only thing is that it requires more pressure to make them work.  When the engine is running, the brakes get the necessary pressure, but when the engine is off, you need to apply that pressure with your foot.