Why Do My Brakes Feel Spongy? Understanding the Causes and Fixes
Why Do My Brakes Feel Spongy? Understanding the Causes and Fixes
Your car’s brakes should feel firm and responsive when you press the pedal. If your brake pedal feels soft or spongy, it could be a sign of a serious issue that affects your car’s braking performance and safety.
At Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln, we diagnose and repair braking system issues to ensure your vehicle stops safely. In this guide, we’ll cover why your brakes feel spongy, what causes the problem, and how to fix it before it leads to dangerous driving conditions.
What Does a Spongy Brake Pedal Feel Like?
If your brake pedal:
✔️ Feels soft or “mushy” when pressed.
✔️ Sinks too far down before engaging the brakes.
✔️ Needs pumping to build up braking pressure.
✔️ Feels inconsistent – firm at times but soft at others.
🚨 These are all signs of a problem within the braking system. A spongy brake pedal means your car may not stop as quickly or effectively as it should.
Common Causes of a Spongy Brake Pedal
1. Air in the Brake Lines
🔧 Why it happens:
- Air bubbles can enter the brake fluid if there’s a leak, recent brake work, or improper bleeding of the system.
- Unlike brake fluid, air is compressible, which results in a soft or spongy pedal feel.
🛠 How to fix it:
- Bleed the brake system to remove trapped air.
- If the problem persists, check for leaks in the brake lines.
2. Old or Contaminated Brake Fluid
🛢 Why it happens:
- Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point and makes it less effective.
- Water in the brake fluid creates air bubbles when heated, causing a spongy pedal.
🛠 How to fix it:
- Flush and replace the brake fluid every 2 years or 20,000 miles (or as per manufacturer recommendations).
- Only use the correct DOT-rated brake fluid for your vehicle.
3. Brake Fluid Leak
💧 Why it happens:
- Leaks in the brake lines, master cylinder, callipers, or wheel cylinders can lead to a drop in hydraulic pressure.
- This causes the brake pedal to feel soft and travel further than normal.
🛠 How to fix it:
- Inspect the brake system for leaks—look for fluid puddles under the car or damp spots near brake components.
- If a leak is found, repair or replace the damaged parts immediately.
4. Worn Brake Pads and Discs
🛞 Why it happens:
- Extremely worn brake pads mean there’s more distance for the calliper piston to travel, which affects braking pressure.
- Worn or warped brake discs can also reduce braking effectiveness, making the pedal feel soft.
🛠 How to fix it:
- Check and replace worn brake pads and discs to restore proper stopping power.
5. Faulty Master Cylinder
🚗 Why it happens:
- The master cylinder is responsible for generating hydraulic pressure.
- If its internal seals wear out, it can allow brake fluid to bypass internally, leading to a soft pedal or a slow sinking brake pedal.
🛠 How to fix it:
- Replace the master cylinder if seals are damaged or worn.
6. Damaged or Swollen Brake Hoses
🔩 Why it happens:
- Brake hoses transfer fluid under pressure. Over time, they can expand, crack, or leak, leading to a loss of braking pressure.
🛠 How to fix it:
- Inspect and replace any damaged brake hoses before they cause total brake failure.
7. ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) Issues
⚠️ Why it happens:
- Problems with the ABS module or sensors can interfere with normal braking function.
- A malfunctioning ABS system may allow air into the brake lines, causing a spongy feel.
🛠 How to fix it:
- Check for ABS warning lights and have a diagnostic scan to pinpoint faults.
- If needed, replace the ABS module or faulty sensors.
How to Prevent a Spongy Brake Pedal
✔️ Get Regular Brake Inspections – Have your brakes checked at least once a year or at every service.
✔️ Replace Brake Fluid on Time – Don’t wait until braking performance declines. Change the fluid every 2 years.
✔️ Fix Leaks Immediately – If you notice a brake fluid leak, get it repaired before it affects safety.
✔️ Use High-Quality Brake Components – Cheap parts can wear out faster, leading to premature brake failure.
✔️ Have Your Brakes Professionally Bled – DIY bleeding can leave air trapped in the system.
Why Choose Andrews Car Centre for Brake Repair in Lincoln?
At Andrews Car Centre, we offer professional brake servicing, repairs, and diagnostics to keep your car safe on the road.
🔧 Expert Technicians – Skilled in diagnosing and fixing all braking issues.
🛠 Comprehensive Brake Inspections – Checking pads, discs, hoses, and fluid condition.
💰 Affordable Brake Repairs – Competitive pricing with no hidden costs.
⏳ Fast & Reliable Service – Getting you back on the road safely and quickly.
🚨 A spongy brake pedal is a serious safety risk – don’t ignore it!
Book a Brake Inspection at Andrews Car Centre Today!
If your brakes feel spongy or soft, it’s time to get them checked. Don’t take risks—ensure your brakes are in top condition with a professional inspection at Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln.
📞 Call us today or book an appointment online for expert brake servicing.
🚗🛑 Andrews Car Centre – Lincoln’s Trusted Brake Specialists.