What Causes Soft Brakes in a Car?
2 Answers
Brake softness can be attributed to the following reasons: 1. Poor performance of brake fluid, resulting in insufficient friction between the brake pads and brake discs. 2. Over time, moisture can seep into the system. After the moisture evaporates, a certain amount of air gap forms between the brake pads and brake discs, leading to the phenomenon of soft and ineffective brakes. Self-adjustment methods for soft brakes: 1. Start the car and wait for the idle speed to stabilize (approximately 2-3 minutes). 2. Press the brake pedal firmly all the way down, applying strong force. 3. After two seconds, pull up the handbrake while keeping the foot brake pressed firmly for several seconds. 4. Then slowly release the foot brake and finally release the handbrake to complete the adjustment.
Last time I experienced soft brakes, the most obvious issue was the brake fluid. Over time, the fluid absorbs moisture, lowering its boiling point and making the pedal feel weak. Once, during a long mountain drive, after a few consecutive brake applications, it felt like stepping on cotton—absolutely terrifying. Also, watch out for leaks or air bubbles in the brake lines, as aging rubber hoses in older cars can swell and affect pressure transfer. Worn brake pads can also increase pedal travel, especially in cars with aftermarket parts. The worst is when the master cylinder fails—internal seal leaks directly cause pressure loss. I recommend first checking the brake fluid level, then having the lines inspected and bled for air. If that doesn’t work, replacing the master cylinder is the safest bet.
