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United Tire and Service News

Why Are My Brakes Soft?

11/23/2020 4:18:00 PM | (510) View Count | Return
Experienced automotive technicians commonly hear questions about brakes that are soft and spongy. When you notice that your brakes aren't as responsive andwhy are my brakes soft precise as they once were, this can be a bit alarming. It's possible that this indicates that components of your vehicle's brakes are damaged and need to be fixed. However, there may be other culprits behind your spongy braking. 

There May Be Air In Your Brake Lines

One of the most common reasons that a vehicle has soft brakes is air in the brake lines. If this happens, your vehicle's brake lines may have a leak. 

Your Brake Fluid May Be Low

Low brake fluid is another common cause of spongy brakes. One of the first things that you should do if you have soft brakes is check your brake fluid levels. If the fluid level is low, you can bring your vehicle into your local United Tire to get it topped off.

Your Brake Cylinder May Be Worn Out

Soft brakes could be caused by a malfunctioning master brake cylinder. The master brake cylinder is responsible for maintaining the hydraulic pressure that your vehicle's brakes need in order to work. If you have an older vehicle with a lot of miles on it and you are experiencing spongy brakes, there's a good chance that the problem lies with your vehicle's master brake cylinder. It may need to be repaired or replaced to return your vehicle to peak condition.

soft brakes

Your Brake Lines Could Be Damaged

The sponginess you're experiencing may be an indicator that your brake lines have been damaged. This is less common than some of the other potential causes on this list, but it is still a possibility. In fact, if your vehicle was recently in an accident there is a good chance that its brake lines were damaged. Even if you've had your car fixed up since the accident, the technicians may have missed the damage to your brake lines. This damage could worsen over time to the point where it causes spongy brakes. Your brake lines also could have been damaged by rust, especially if you live in a colder climate where road salt is commonly used.

Your Brake Disc Calipers Could Be Damaged Or Worn

Damaged brake disc calipers could also cause a soft or spongy brake pedal. If your vehicle pulls to one side or you hear a screeching sound when you hit the brakes, there is a good chance that this is the cause. Your brake calipers may have been simply worn down rather than damaged in an accident.

Taking Care of Soft Brakes

Soft brakes may not seem like such a big deal, but it is an indication that there is something wrong with your car. Driving with malfunctioning brakes is dangerous to yourself and everyone else on the road. If your vehicle has soft or spongy brakes, you should bring it to a United Tire location as soon as possible. Our highly experienced technicians can get your vehicle fixed and get you back on the road in no time.  Call your local United Tire location or schedule an appointment online. 

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brake repair, brakes

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Auto Repair 101

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Visit United Tire & Service for Quality Tires and Auto Repair Near You

At United Tire & Service, our staff is here to serve customers throughout Pennsylvania. We offer top-quality auto repair services done by expert technicians. From an oil change or brake repair to auto air conditioning repair, muffler repair, engine diagnostics, wheel alignment, car batteries, fleet repair, tire repair, suspension repair and Pennsylvania state vehicle inspections, we do it all. We also stock a wide selection of tires from all the top brands in the industry including Goodyear Tires, Dunlop Tires, Kelly Tires, and many more. Schedule an appointment with us today at one of our locations in Concordville, Downingtown, Emmaus, Feasterville, Phoenixville, Southampton, Paoli, West Chester or Willow Grove, PA. We are your number one source for top quality, affordable auto repair and tires!