What should you do if the brake pedal goes to the floor with hydraulic brakes?

Pumping the brake pedal is a common technique used to try to restore hydraulic pressure in the braking system. When the brake pedal goes to the floor, it often indicates that there is a loss of pressure in the hydraulic system, which can result from brake fluid leaks, air in the system, or other mechanical failures. By rapidly pumping the pedal, you may be able to build enough pressure temporarily to regain some braking ability, allowing you to safely slow down or stop the vehicle.

Although other options may seem reasonable, immediate actions like pulling over or pressing down harder might not effectively address the underlying issue of lost hydraulic pressure. Checking the brake fluid level is crucial for routine maintenance, but it does not provide an immediate solution if the pedal is already to the floor. Therefore, attempting to pump the pedal to regain pressure is a practical first step in this scenario.