What is a potential risk if a vehicle’s brake lines are compromised?

The correct answer highlights a significant safety concern regarding compromised brake lines. If brake lines are damaged, they can develop leaks or fail altogether, leading to a potential loss of brake function. This failure means that the driver may not be able to effectively slow down or stop the vehicle, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. The integrity of the brake system is crucial to vehicle safety, and any compromise in this system poses a serious hazard not just to the driver but also to other road users.

In contrast, the other options do not directly relate to the implications of compromised brake lines. Increased vehicle mileage does not connect to the state of the brake system and could reflect normal wear or driving patterns. Similarly, improvements in engine power or enhanced steering capability are unrelated benefits that wouldn’t arise from brake line issues, thereby obscuring the immediate concern of safety associated with brake functionality.