Hey folks - The Octy is an 08 plate 2.0 with 105,000 miles on it - it has been parked for 2 days. I got in it today and set off and suffered total brake failure at the first junction I came to The pedal went to the floor and the car carried on - it then began to brake a bit before the ABS seemed to engage. I pumped the pedal and it took a few goes before it seemed normal. Any ideas as I am not keen on getting in it again!!! :S

First thing is change your trousers 2nd if it is 08 is warranty still valid if so get breakdown folks out. I would NOT advise driving it to garage for checks.

First thing is change your trousers 2nd if it is 08 is warranty still valid if so get breakdown folks out. I would NOT advise driving it to garage for checks.

Trousers duly changed! Sadly no warranty left but yes, I don't think I should drive it until it is sorted :'(

I guess the higher than average mileage will have expired the warranty.

I would still be tempted to consult my local Skoda dealer over the phone.

Total brake failure is not something to take lightly, there are several backup systems on modern cars to prevent such a complete failure.

I would hope Skoda might be as interested to understand the cause of this problem as you are!

Agreed with above...total brake failure is unacceptable on 2yr old car!

Had a similar issue on my S3 last year where I coasted across a junction at the end of a motorway sliproad....that turned out to be a fractured vacuum line from the intake manifold to the brake servo unit. 40 quid for the new improved version from Audi.

Just a thought.

"Total brake failure" is concurring frequently after severe frost, it should be gone after the first braking attempt. The moisture in the air might condensate and turn into an icy layer on the brakes when temperatures drop during the night. The cold weather advise is to drive 20-30 meters and hit the brakes to check the brakes, usually one braking attempt will free them from any ice (if any). And if needed, hit the brakes again to check that the brakes will work. This is what the car drivers do in Alpine regions. Yes, it is scary, it happend to my VW Golf years ago after nightly frost.

Any ideas as I am not keen on getting in it again!!!

Migrate to a tropical country, since this might happen to all cars in very cold conditions .

Ah but then I might get brake-fade due to the heat....hmmmm...lol