Melanie Reiff
Updated on Nov 16, 2022
If your brake is hard to push on, there could be several issues. The most likely culprit, though, is a bad brake booster — basically a broken valve near your car’s engine. Repairs can range from $500 for simple tasks to well higher for the tricky stuff.
Figuring out exactly what’s wrong when your brake is hard to push on isn’t the easiest task. Potential implications can range from a slight nuisance to total brake failure—although immediate serious consequences are rare.
Either way, it’s important to act if your brakes start to be a little hard to push. Take your car to a mechanic and see what they can do for you! Here’s everything you need to know about your brakes being hard to push, with a little help from car insurance broker and comparison app Jerry.
The exact cost varies between different Land Rover models. For example, newer vehicle models are usually made with more expensive materials, so recent or high-end models will cost more, especially if your service requires a part replacement. Use the table below to estimate the cost for your own vehicle.
Car | Total Cost Estimate | Parts Cost | Labor Cost | Average Dealer Price | Estimated Service Duration |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | $118 | $0 | $118 | $118 | 1h |
2011 | $389.52 | $271.52 | $118 | $470.96 | 1h |
2005 | $436.99 | $318.99 | $118 | $532.65 | 1h |
2017 | $124.78 | $6.78 | $118 | $126.8 | 1h |
2017 | $124.78 | $6.78 | $118 | $126.8 | 1h |
2019 | $124.78 | $6.78 | $118 | $126.8 | 1h |
What is a brake hard-to-push inspection?
If your brake is hard to push, a simple inspection is necessary. Most mechanics will check for a bad brake booster first. That usually involves a quick check under the hood and inspection of the brake vacuum. If that doesn’t work, then they’ll need to check the brake discs—which might mean the wheels have to be temporarily removed.
The more elaborate the process is, the more expensive it gets. A quick brake booster check shouldn’t cost more than $200, depending on the vehicle. But for more elaborate fixes or longer times spent in the shop, you could be paying up to $1,000.
Either way, it’s vital to take your vehicle to the mechanic as soon as your brakes feel different.
When do I need to get an inspection for hard-to-push brakes?
You’ll need to get your brakes checked out every time you service your car—it’s standard practice for most mechanics! However, there are other situations where you might want to get your brakes checked, including:
- It takes a long time for your brakes to react
- Your brakes are hard or impossible to push down on
- You can’t switch from park to drive mode
How important is it that your brakes are easy to push?
It’s vital that your brakes function properly. Even the slightest change in brake pressure can impact your stopping distance, which increases the chances of you getting into a collision. So, as soon as you feel a change in how easy it is to brake, you should talk to a mechanic. It’ll likely be a minor problem, but any good mechanic should be able to fix things.
Tips for maintaining your brake pressure
Brakes are a vital part of your car, but they need to be treated with care. So, it’s important that you look after them properly. Even if they’re difficult to push down on, don’t force the pedals, or use anything else to manipulate them. Also, be sure not to drive too fast or brake too aggressively.
Finding affordable car insurance
While brakes are pretty reliable, any faulty parts can lead to some serious issues. To protect yourself—and your wallet—you need to make sure you have the right car insurance.
To find the best rate, try using the Jerry app. A licensed broker, Jerry will pour over quotes from over 50 top insurers in less than a minute.
Keep in mind that your location is another factor that determines the final cost of repairs. Areas with higher cost of living will usually have more expensive car repair services, especially if there’s less local competition. Check out the table below for an estimate of what Land Rover drivers pay in different cities.
City | Car | Total Cost Estimate | Parts Cost | Labor Cost | Average Dealer Price | Estimated Service Duration |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2005 | $425.76 | $316.26 | $109.5 | $520.62 | 1h | |
2020 | $119.68 | $4.99 | $114.69 | $121.17 | 1h | |
2009 | $430.45 | $290.7 | $139.75 | $517.63 | 1h | |
1997 | $368.54 | $252.86 | $115.68 | $444.38 | 1h | |
2014 | $429.6 | $319.6 | $110 | $525.46 | 1h | |
2020 | $119.23 | $4.99 | $114.24 | $120.72 | 1h | |
2002 | $378.27 | $249.52 | $128.75 | $453.11 | 1h | |
2002 | $362.4 | $249.52 | $112.88 | $437.24 | 1h | |
2019 | $118.26 | $6.78 | $111.48 | $120.28 | 1h | |
2021 | $110.59 | $4.99 | $105.6 | $112.08 | 1h |
Jerry doesn’t just offer fair price repair estimates for Land Rover drivers! Our team of writers has collected everything you need to know for every car. Here’s how much the repair costs for some popular cars:
Car | Total Cost Estimate | Parts Cost | Labor Cost | Average Dealer Price | Estimated Service Duration |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1995 | $124.78 | $6.78 | $118 | $126.8 | 1h |
1978 | $124.78 | $6.78 | $118 | $126.8 | 1h |
1962 | $124.78 | $6.78 | $118 | $126.8 | 1h |
2017 | $124.78 | $6.78 | $118 | $126.8 | 1h |
2012 | $124.78 | $6.78 | $118 | $126.8 | 1h |
1988 | $287.59 | $169.59 | $118 | $338.44 | 1h |
The cost of repairs might vary depending on which Land Rover you drive, but there’s an easy way to save money for the services you need! Just download the Jerry app for help lowering your insurance premiums. In less than 45 seconds, Jerry collects all of your information from your existing insurer. Choose from competitive quotes from top insurance companies and Jerry takes care of the rest—securing your new policy and helping you cancel your old one upon request.
With an average annual savings of $887, Jerry can help you free up funds for the repairs your Land Rover’s needs.
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The content contained in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be used in lieu of seeking professional advice. We encourage you to consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have specific questions or concerns relating to any of the topics covered herein. Under no circumstances will we be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.