Car Talk (legitimate)

[Susannah]

This is what I get for making fun of the animated "Car Talk"...actual car trouble.

I have a year-old, very reliable Nissan Sentra, but within the last day or so I've been noticing that I have to pump the brakes really hard to stop, and push really hard on the accelerator too.  I also had trouble getting the car up to 65 on the freeway.  I took it to a mechanic who drove it around for a block or two, and everything seemed ok to him, but I'm a little freaked out that something is really wrong with it.  I don't know anything about cars, and also can't really afford for someone at a body shop to take me for a proverbial ride.  Has this every happened to anyone?  This is the first car I've ever had, so I'm kind of anxious about it.

[erika]

Is it under warranty? You could take it to the dealer...

[Susannah]

It is, and I will tomorrow--thanks for reminding me.

I think the wheel alignment might just need to be adjusted.

[Fido]

By all means, Susannah, get the brakes checked out immediately.

[John Junk 2.0]

If you move to Glendale or the vicinity, I know a good mechanic.  He fixed my car today after my last mechanic tried to murder it with what one of the mechanics at the new place called "A real Mickey Mouse job!" they're from Eastern Europe or Lebanon or something.

I've been having MASSIVE car issues/drama lately.

[Stan]

 Back in high school, the mother of a friend of mine drove their brand new Porsche 944 to the mall and back (a twenty five mile round trip) and complained that the car was running badly would barely go 65 mph. The lesson learned? Don't drive with the emergency brake on.

 But seriously get those brakes checked, there might be air in the brake lines.

[masterofsparks]

I think the wheel alignment might just need to be adjusted.

It doesn't sound like the alignment - I don't think that would affect the brakes. If the car was out of alignment, you'd notice it pulling to one side and also maybe some shaking when you get up to highway speeds. If the car's only a year old, it shouldn't be out of alignment unless you hit something.

I honestly don't know what it could be that would affect both the brakes and the acceleration. Keep in mind that I'm FAR from an expert, so everything I just said could be total crap.

If it's still under warranty, definitely take it in. You shouldn't be out any money.

[Trotskie]

to echo what others are saying, if you literally had to pump the brakes to make them engage (depress/release, depress/release) I'd be extremely cautious about driving anywhere. 

http://www.wikihow.com/Stop-a-Car-with-No-Brakes

[Susannah]

I promise I wasn't driving with the emergency brake on, Stan!

I think I'm going to get it towed to the dealer...

[Fido]

No one was about to accuse you of that, Susannah, but the thought honestly did cross my mind from your description. I don't know you but I took it for granted that you are fairly sharp (you're an FOT, after all) and therefore have a puzzling situation on your hands.  I hope it turns out okay! 

[Susannah]

Thanks to everyone for the advice.  It was the wheel alignment--I'm out two and a half hours and $130, but it's worth it.  Brakes are fine.  Carry on!

[Shaggy 2 Grote]

My brakes once went out on Route 46 in NJ, pretty far from the next exit.  It was terrifying.

[masterofsparks]

It doesn't sound like the alignment

Thanks to everyone for the advice.  It was the wheel alignment

I told you I didn't know what I was talking about.