What does a brake fluid leak cause in a vehicle?

A brake fluid leak primarily leads to malfunction or failure in the brakes because brake fluid is essential for the hydraulic system that enables the brake components to function properly. When there is a leak, the pressure within the brake system can drop, resulting in insufficient hydraulic force needed to engage the brake pads against the rotors. This can lead to progressively reduced braking effectiveness, increased stopping distances, and potentially complete brake failure. Therefore, maintaining proper brake fluid levels and ensuring there are no leaks is critical for safe vehicle operation.

The other options relate to different vehicle systems that are not directly impacted by brake fluid. Increased fuel consumption and lower engine power are typically associated with engine performance issues rather than brake systems, while reduced suspension efficiency pertains to the vehicle's shock absorption and stability, which brake fluid does not influence.