During our trip from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, we discovered that the brakes were failing at a vehicle inspection station headed towards Los Angeles. We searched for the nearest Budget office and reached the Barstow location at 1581 W Main St after 20 minutes at 4:50 PM. When we got out, we noticed the engine was smoking. The staff reluctantly came to check the car, then went back inside and told us, 'You should go, we close at 5!' They forced us out, clearly seeing we were panicked and helpless. After repeated requests, they agreed to call the nearest office, instructing us to stay put and not move the faulty vehicle, and wait for someone to either replace or tow the car. Then the staff locked up and left, leaving us stranded and helpless as it got darker. By 8 PM, no one had come to assist. We were left waiting on an American street, feeling despair. Thankfully, a friend came to our rescue; otherwise, the consequences could have been dire. Our lives were put at risk by this car!