As you press the brake pedal, your vehicle should slow down. If it takes a lot of effort to stop the car, you may have spongy brakes. Remember that a functional braking system is essential in ensuring your safety on the road. This is why you should seek timely brake repair service on the first sign of a spongy brake. Here are a few things that could be behind this problem.

The Brake Line Is Problematic 

When the brake line is faulty, your car will not stop quickly, even if the pedal presses to the floor. In this case, a faulty line could be the reason for reduced hydraulic pressure during braking. The probable cause of such damage is rust which causes excessive deterioration of the metal pipe. Changing the pipes is the most effective way to ensure your braking system works optimally.

The Brake Calipers Could Be Rusty

The brake caliper is responsible for pushing the rotor so the vehicle can stop. When this part is exposed to water and salt, rust will start forming. As a result, brake fluid might leak, and the brakes will feel spongy. After parking your vehicle, inspect underneath it for brake fluid leaks when driving off. If present, replacing the brake calipers is necessary. 

The Master Brake Cylinder Is Wearing Out

The master brake cylinder converts pressure on the brake pedal to hydraulic pressure. When the cylinder starts to wear out, the brakes will become spongy. This is because the cylinder doesn't provide sufficient pressure for quick braking. If the cylinder fails, they'll be an internal or external leakage of the brake fluid. Proper diagnosis by a brake repair expert will unearth the extent of the damage. Then, the mechanic will suggest whether replacement is necessary.

You Have Recently Bled the Brakes

Performing frequent brake bleeding is vital. But if you notice that your vehicle doesn't stop quickly after pressing the brake pedal, there could still be air trapped in the system. Remember that even after bleeding, some air can remain in the system during the replacement of hoses and brake lines. To resolve this issue, your auto repair technician will use a vacuum to remove the trapped air and then add clean brake fluid.

Brakes are crucial in ensuring your safety while driving. If you experience any issue that may compromise effective braking, resolve it quickly. Consider paying attention to the few issues highlighted in this guide.

To find out more, contact a company like Elite Automotive.