What Causes Spongy Brakes?
Brakes are a vital part of driving and controlling your vehicle. You couldn't operate a vehicle without them.
That's why mushy, spongy, or squishy brakes can cause BIG problems if you don't address them quickly! As A GM certified service department, we've learned over the years that there are generally 5 common reasons brakes malfunction. Here they are:
Old or Low Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is the key ingredient needed to bring your car to a stop. But just like brake pads, brake fluid can wear thin over time.
Can't remember the last time you had a brake service? Then it could be that old brake fluid is causing the poor brake performance. Or, you could have a possible leak causing your fluid to be low. Either way, get it checked out!
Air in Brake Lines
This is one of the most common causes of spongy brakes. Unevenly distributed hydraulic air pressure causes the system to become out of balance, which causes a soft brake pedaling issue.
Air in your brake line could also be the result of low brake fluid or a leak.
Cylinder Wear
When your braking system isn't working as well as it once was, it could be the master cylinder is malfunctioning. Its job is to distribute hydraulic pressure (see above-Air in Brake Lines) which distributes the brake fluid where it's needed to stop your vehicle.
However, over time, master cylinder seals leak or break. If you have to push the brake pedal all the way to the floor to get the vehicle to stop, chances are there's a problem in the master cylinder.
Brake Line Damage
Some of the biggest assaults on your brake line comes from rust which is a result of moisture and road salt. These elements can cause brake lines to leak, become brittle, and eventually, break.
If your car has been in a crash, the damage from the crash can also cause your brake lines to weaken, bend and collapse. That will make them more susceptible to other problems.
Damaged Disc Brake Caliper
As you can imagine, braking action generates a great deal of heat. Over time, that can damage your vehicle's disc brake calipers. If you're experiencing spongy brakes and your car pulls to one side when braking, it could be the disc brake caliper is damaged. You may also hear squealing or squeaky sound when applying the brakes.
What to Do About Malfunctioning Brakes
When it comes to malfunctioning brakes, get them checked out by a qualified mechanic. Having brakes performing at their best is a must! It can be the difference between life and death.
At Joe Bowman Auto Plaza service center, the health of your vehicle is our top priority. If you're having brake issues, our GM certified expert technicians will perform a brake inspection to determine the cause. We make it our business to keep you safe on the road. Schedule an appointment today!