Why does the brake only respond when fully depressed?

[LeElizabeth]

The reasons why the brake only responds when fully depressed are as follows: 1. Excessive brake pedal free play. 2. Deliberate tuning by the manufacturer. Details causing the above reasons are as follows: 1. There are many reasons for increased brake pedal free play, which could be abnormal brake fluid or worn brake pads. It is recommended to visit a 4S shop for inspection and repair to eliminate safety hazards. 2. There is no good or bad in brake tuning. A slightly softer initial stage with braking force concentrated in the mid-to-late stages makes it easier to control the initial braking force, suitable for urban driving; while braking force concentrated in the mid-to-late stages can provide greater braking force after the initial stage, reducing the brake pedal travel.

[LukeAnn]

The other day I drove a friend's used car, and the brakes only worked when I stomped them all the way down—it was nerve-wracking. Turned out the brake fluid reservoir was almost empty. After refilling it, everything went back to normal. Actually, this is pretty common—brake fluid leaks, air in the lines, or excessively worn brake pads can all cause this. Once there's a leak or air blockage in the hydraulic system, pressure can't build up properly. Also, if the brake hoses are old and swollen, they'll make braking feel sluggish. I'd suggest finding a reliable repair shop ASAP—tinkering with brakes yourself could be dangerous if something goes wrong. Regularly checking brake fluid levels and replacing old hoses can save you a lot of trouble.

[LaJocelyn]

If the brakes only work when fully depressed, start with basic checks yourself. Pop the hood to inspect if the brake fluid level is sufficient – if too low, it may indicate a leak or need for topping up. Examine brake pad thickness and wear; replace immediately if excessively thin. If fluid levels are fine, the issue could be a faulty pump or master cylinder, requiring pressure testing with tools. Never continue driving in this condition—it's extremely hazardous, as insufficient wheel friction increases skid and loss-of-control risks. Ideally, have a professional diagnose and resolve it comprehensively with part replacements and maintenance. Prioritize safety; never cut corners on such critical issues.

[Heather]

The brakes only work when fully depressed, which is basically a problem with hydraulic pressure transmission. Air may have entered the system, causing compression failure, or there could be a blockage in the oil line or a faulty oil pump leading to insufficient pressure. Worn-out parts like thin brake pads or deformed discs can also increase the effort needed. To fix this, first bleed the air bubbles from the system and refill it with qualified brake fluid. Timely maintenance is crucial to prevent accidents—don't wait until you lose control to regret it.

[Craig]

I've been driving for over a decade, and whenever there's a brake abnormality, you must stop immediately to inspect it. This kind of delayed response when pressing the pedal all the way down is commonly caused by oil line leaks, aging oil pumps, or ABS module failures. I once witnessed a similar accident where the car couldn't stop in time and crashed into a wall. For safety's sake, have it towed to a professional shop for a thorough inspection and replace components like the oil reservoir and hoses if needed. Regular maintenance is key – get your brake system checked every 20,000 kilometers to extend its lifespan.

[SanWalker]

Developing a habit of regular brake maintenance is crucial. If the brakes require excessive force to engage, it often indicates insufficient fluid or air in the system, necessitating bleeding and fresh fluid replacement. Check if the brake discs and pads are worn, ensuring sufficient thickness remains. Prevention is better than repair—test the hydraulic pressure every six months to minimize failure risks. Drive with greater peace of mind by never overlooking these subtle warning signs.