I have a 1991 Honda Civic and driving it today the brakes stopped working properly. The pedal won't do anything unless I press it all the way to the floor and then the brakes will catch a little bit but the car won't slow down for awhile. I know nothing really about cars but I just want a roundabout idea of what could be the problem because I haven't had any problems with them up until today.

 

could be a number of things. Failed master cylinder, leak in a line, failed caliper seal, etc.

 

Brake booster, master cylinder, proportioning valve, low fluid pressure, could be many things.

First, check the fluid level in the master cylinder. If it's low, add it, start the engine, and pump the pedal to create pressure. If the reservoir was dry, you'll likely need to bleed the brakes to get the air out of the system.

If you can build up any pressure in the system, press and hold the break pedal. Does it slowly sink to the floor? That could be indicative of a faulty master cylinder.

 

I checked the fluid and it looks pretty low actually. Like a little bit below the minimum line.

 

Went and had it checked out today and they weren't able to check it for leaks yet but he filled me up on fluid and by the time I got home which was only about a 10 mile drive my brakes started acting up again and I checked my fluid and it was back down where it was before. Must be some mighty leak.

 

Bleed the brakes and check for leaks. If no leaks are found, replace the master cylinder.

 

pick up some brake fluid, refill the master cylinder, park on a clean section of driveway with the engine idling, pump the brakes for a bit until you notice the level in the master cylinder has gone down.

After that check for puddles

no leaks means master cylinder is leaking into the brake booster, get them replaced

leak somewhere in the middle under the car means you have a line rusted through

leak at a wheel could be a few different things