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Once you step on the brake pedal, your vehicle should slow or stop on demand and at your convenience. And when the brakes fail, they can cause catastrophic accidents leading to extreme car damage or worse, injuries or the loss of lives. If you have ever pressed the pedal and felt it was spongy or soft-feeling, this is a clear sign that it could be within the brake lines.
Let us explore what brake lines are and the signs that tell you there's air in your brake lines.
What Are Brake Lines?
The brake lines are the components of your brake system that house and circulate the brake fluid. Since the brake system is hydraulic, it uses high pressure from the brake fluid to power the brakes. When there is air within this hydraulic system, it reduces the hydraulic pressure and essentially makes the braking process less effective. As a result, the brake system can fail.
Here are some symptoms that could indicate the presence of air in your brake lines.
- The brake pedal has a spongy feel when pressing down.
- Brakes are soft and less effective than usual
- The brake pedal is depressed a lot or goes all the way down
How Does Air find Its Way Into Your Brake Lines?
A car's brake system should be air-tight. However, air can enter the system when driving on worn-out brake pads or where the brake calipers or pistons are faulty. Since air is compressible, it reduces the efficiency of the brakes.
Fluid, on the other hand, does not compress. So when air is absent, the brake pedal should have resistance and engage near the top rather than close to the floor.
The solution: Professional Brake Bleeding
A certified technician should conduct professional brake bleeding to remove the air within your brake lines to restore the functions of the brake system so that it can stop on-demand. If you notice any of the signs above, it's time to consult a professional mechanic.
If you need brake line repair, we invite you to bring your vehicle to K's Autohaus today!