Have you ever...

... driven a car without brakes? Well, I can understand if you haven't yet had the pleasure. Or, should I say the HORROR!?!?

On the way to work this morning, I noticed that my brakes were acting a little funny, but they were still working so I didn't think too much about it. I have a 35 minute commute to the painting gig I'm working right now, so the fact that I made it to work without incident made me forget all about it.

However, as I was getting ready to leave work, my brakes seemed a bit wonky. I began driving, immediately noticing that I could push my foot down nearly through the floor when hitting the break and I would receive varely any response. I kept trying them as I drove slowly down the road, and knew that something was wrong. However, in my male stubborness, I was just thinking, "If I can just make it to the shop in town, I'll get them checked out."

Since I'm working out on the Peninsula here on Van Isle, I took a side road home. However, after passing through one of the towns on the way back into the city, I knew I didn't have many options left... I could press all the way down on the brakes without any response until they literally locked up and I went skidding to a halt. Likewise, it was raining like a banshee so I was really a four-wheeled danger train ready for trouble.

Luckily, I came across a shop shortly there after and pulled in. Just before they closed shop, I convinced the manager to have someone take a look at the car. Sure enough, I'd blown my compressor in my rear brakes (which also needed some other work) and tomorrow morning I can pick up my ride, $360 to the negative. At least I'm alive to tell the story, I guess. I don't really recommend driving without some sort of functional stopping device on your motor vehicle. Just thought you'd like to know.

Now... why do people drive new cars? See above. Ford Escorts weren't meant to drive for more than 280,000 kms.

T