Why Are the Brakes Particularly Soft After Changing Brake Fluid?
3 Answers
After changing the brake fluid, the brakes feel particularly soft due to: poor performance of the brake fluid, insufficient friction between the brake pads and brake discs, prolonged driving leading to moisture infiltration, air gaps forming between the brake pads and discs, resulting in softer brakes. Do not mix different types or brands of brake fluid. Solutions for soft brakes are as follows: 1. Start the car and wait for the idle speed to stabilize (about 2-3 minutes). 2. Press the brake pedal firmly all the way down. 3. After two seconds, pull up the handbrake while keeping the foot brake pressed hard for a few seconds. 4. Then slowly release the foot brake, and finally release the handbrake.
I've repaired many similar issues before. After changing the brake fluid, if the brake pedal feels soft, the main reason is usually that there's air left in the brake system that wasn't properly bled. Air is more compressible than fluid, so when you press the brake, the pedal feels spongy and lacks firmness. This often happens when the fluid change isn't done according to specifications—like if the bleeder valve isn't closed properly or new fluid is poured in too quickly, causing bubbles to form. There could also be a slight leak in the lines, lowering the fluid level. I recommend first checking the brake fluid reservoir level. If it's low, look for leaks; if the level is normal, bleed the system. Also, some low-quality new fluids with impurities can affect performance. A soft brake isn't a minor issue—delaying repairs can increase stopping distance and accident risk, so it's best to visit a professional shop soon. Remember, prevention is better than cure—regular brake system maintenance can avoid this hassle.
Last time I changed the brake fluid myself, the brake pedal felt spongy when pressed, which really scared me. After checking the information, I found that in most cases, this is caused by improper operation allowing air to enter the brake lines. Air bubbles compress easily, no wonder the brakes felt weak. If you're not careful during the fluid change process—such as not using the air bleeding tool properly or having loose connections—it's easy to get air leaks. Another possibility is choosing the wrong type of new fluid that's not suitable for the vehicle. I immediately drove to the shop, where the mechanic re-bled the system, and the problem was fixed. Remember, don't ignore such issues—brakes are critical for safety. Now, every time I change the fluid, I supervise the process to ensure thorough air bleeding. It's a simple issue, but it must be taken seriously.
