If braking hydraulics fail to build up pressure and the pedal feels spongy or sinks, what should you do?

• A. Pump the brake pedal to generate pressure
• B. Apply emergency brake immediately
• C. Shift to neutral and coast
• D. Pull the parking brake

Answer: (A)

When the brakes don’t build pressure and the pedal feels spongy or sinks, it means hydraulic pressure in the braking system has dropped. The immediate move is to pump the brake pedal. Repeatedly pressing and releasing the pedal can re-pressurize the hydraulic circuit, allowing you to regain some braking force so you can slow down and steer to a safe place. This is a temporary measure while you move to a safe area to stop and get the system checked.

Avoid using the emergency brake right away, as it can cause rear-wheel lock and a loss of control. Shifting to neutral and coasting removes engine braking and can make it harder to control speed. Pulling the parking brake is also risky for on-road braking and can cause a skid. If pumping doesn’t restore braking, downshift gradually to use engine braking and look for a safe spot to stop, then have the brakes inspected.