Brake Repair: What A Weak Pedal Can Mean

Brake repair is a serious topic for any vehicle owner. While you may not care to start working on your own car, it's important to know a bit about how your braking system works so you know when something is amiss. One problem that no driver should take lightly is a weak pedal. If you step on the pedal and don't get a response until your foot is halfway to the floor, this isn't just "one of those things". We learn to deal with a lot when our cars reach a certain age, but this is a problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. The reasons behind a weak pedal are varied, but none of them should be ignored.

Low Fluid

As a driver, you should get into the habit of checking all of your fluids on a regular basis. However, if you're experiencing a weak pedal, this could be the reason behind it. Check your braking fluid and you may be able to avoid expensive brake repair. On the other hand, there is surely a reason why the reservoir is low. If it's because of a leak, you need to have it examined by a mechanic and get it fixed before you run into further problems.

Contaminated Fluid

You change your oil on a regular basis, but have you ever given thought to changing your braking fluid? It should be done every so often. If you have a good brake repair shop you like to visit, ask them about changing out this fluid, as contaminants can cause problems with your system. They can bleed out the brakes and put some new, fresh fluid into the reservoir for you.

Worn Pads

Pads don't last forever, and they should be changed as soon as your notice problems with your braking system. If you do this, you should never experience a weak pedal because of your pads. Nonetheless, if you've ignored squealing and grinding sounds for a long enough period of time, it might be down to this. Make sure you bring your car into a brake repair shop and have this issue addressed as soon as possible. Driving around with pads that have deteriorated to this point is creating danger for both yourself and the other drivers on the road.

A weak pedal is nothing to mess around with. As soon as you notice that you're having to apply considerable pressure to the pedal before you get a response, your next stop should be a mechanic. Stay safe out there.