The brakes on your vehicle can start to be less effective as they wear, but some parts of the system can cause similar effects. A soft brake pedal or a fading feeling as you apply the brakes is serious, and you need to take the vehicle in for disc brake service. Alternatively, a free brake inspection should be completed on the system to determine exactly what is causing the problem.
Soft Pedal
When you press the brake pedal in your car, it should feel firm and only go down about an inch or so before you start to feel resistance and the vehicle begins to slow down. If the pedal feels soft or continues to sink as you press it, there is a problem somewhere in the system, and disc brake service should be a priority.
Often a soft pedal is caused by air being trapped in the brake lines and causing an air bubble that acts as a cushion when applying pressure to the pedal. Because the brake system is a closed system, meaning that no air should be allowed in once filled and closed, the air in the lines indicates a leak somewhere in the system.
A fitting in the system could be loose and leaking, the master cylinder may have a bad seal that allows air into the system, or a brake hose may be seeping and drawing air back into the system when the brake pedal pedals are released. The only way to know where the problem is coming from is to inspect all the potential problem areas thoroughly.
Leaks And Drips
Leaks under your vehicle are never a good sign, but leaks from the brake system can be a significant issue. If you see brake fluid on the ground near a tire, you more than likely have a brake hose, wheel cylinder, or brake caliper that is leaking, and you should take the car in for disc brake service. The longer you allow the leak to continue, the worse it will get until it starts to affect the performance of the brakes.
Leaking brake fluid can also damage the friction material used on the brake pads and shoes if it drips on them. Over time, the pads and shoes can soak up enough fluid to begin to break down and deteriorate until they need to be replaced.
If you see fluid on the ground under your car, you can identify brake fluid by the clear to brownish color and the piney odor that the fluid has. The fluid will also feel slippery or greasy if you get it on your hands but is much thinner than the oil or transmission fluid in your car. To learn more, contact a disc brake service.
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