Is your car’s brake pedal lacking resistance?
Brake fluid leaks can affect your brake pedal’s resistance. If you think your car is leaking, check around the tyres and under the vehicle.
The brake pedal requires a certain amount of pressure to be applied for it to work correctly. When the driver applies this pressure, brake fluid is compressed, creating the necessary hydraulic pressure to slow your car down. If your brake pedal is going right to the floor when pushed down, it can affect this process, resulting in less effective braking. Problems with the brake pedal can affect the safety of your vehicle, meaning they should be examined by a mechanic as soon as possible, even if your car is still stopping without difficulty.
Learn more about how brakes work
What can cause the brake pedal to go to the floor?
There are several different things that can cause a lack of resistance in your car’s brake pedal. This problem usually stems from issues with a mechanical component or issues with your car’s brake fluid level/quality. Below are some of the most common reasons for the brake pedal going straight to the floor:
- Brake fluid leak – Brake fluid is what allows your brakes to function correctly. When you apply the brakes, it is compressed, creating hydraulic pressure which powers your braking system. A leak in your car’s braking system can cause a gradual loss of brake fluid, affecting the car’s ability to come to a stop. If your brake pedal is going straight to the floor, examine your brake reservoir to determine if the brake fluid is low. If the problem persists after topping up, your car probably has a leak.
- Air in the brake system – Air can enter the brake system if there’s a leak, improper bleeding of the brakes during maintenance, or a component replacement. Air bubbles compress more than brake fluid, leading to a spongy brake pedal and reduced braking effectiveness.
- Worn brake pads/shoes – If the brake pads or shoes are excessively worn, it can cause the brake pedal to go to the floor. The reduced friction between the brake components and the rotors or drums can result in a longer pedal travel and decreased braking performance.
- Brake fluid in need of replacement – Over time, brake fluid absorbs water and loses its hydraulic properties and needs to be replaced. To keep your brakes working correctly, the brake fluid should be changed every 40,000 km.
Why is it important to replace brake fluid? - Brake line blockage – Blockages or restrictions in the brake lines can impede the flow of brake fluid, leading to a loss of pressure and a pedal that goes to the floor. This can occur due to debris, rust, or a collapsed brake line.
- Bad master cylinder – The master cylinder is where compression is applied to brake fluid. A problem with the brake master cylinder piston seals bypassing brake fluid inside the master cylinder can affect brake power and pressure, causing the pedal to sink to the floor.
Is it safe to drive if your brake pedal is going to the floor?
If your brake pedal is going to the floor, it is not safe to drive the vehicle. A brake pedal that goes to the floor indicates a significant problem with the braking system, and it compromises your ability to stop the vehicle effectively. Driving with this issue can pose a serious safety risk to you, your passengers, and others on the road.
Brake Pedal & Car Braking System Replacement in Hamilton
Does your brake pedal have low or no resistance and go straight to the floor when pressed? If so, we can help! At Grimmer Motors, our team of skilled mechanics can quickly diagnose the cause of your brake problems. From there, we can provide expert services that you can rely on.
If the master cylinder or other brake component is causing the issue, we will install a new or aftermarket part in your vehicle. If the brakes are leaking, we will find the cause of the leak and fix it accordingly.
A correctly functioning brake system will allow you to stop quickly when you need to, improving the safety of your vehicle. For brake services in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!