Soft Brake Pedal
When you step on the brake pedal, you should feel resistance which increases as you apply more pressure on the pedal. The resistance is generated by pressurized brake fluid, and this fluid allows the brakes to work effectively. High pressure in the system is essential, as the braking system has to overcome the weight of your car moving at speed and bring it to a stop.
If you feel that your pedal is displaying less resistance than it used to, you could have a brake fluid leak or a blockage in the system. Either of these problems will reduce the pressure, and the lack of pressure reduces the effectiveness of your brakes. If this occurs, your brakes will become steadily less responsive and will fail. We’ll find the cause of the soft pedal and repair it, and your brakes will work effectively again.
Hard Brake Pedal
A hard brake pedal produces the opposite effect of the problem above. In this circumstance, your brake pedal will provide a very high level of resistance and will be difficult to depress. This issue isn’t caused by increased pressure in the system but by the failure of the brake pedal booster.
The brake pedal booster magnifies the pressure you apply to the pedal. It uses a vacuum system to force the brake fluid through the system to engage the brakes. If the booster is worn or damaged, the vacuum could be breached. Without the vacuum, the booster won’t operate, and the pedal will become difficult to move. We can fix the problem by replacing the booster.
Chemical Smells When You Brake
If you smell a hot chemical scent when you hit the brakes, your brake fluid could be overheating. This problem is usually caused if the brake fluid is old or if you have to frequently ride your brakes. When you ride the brakes, the pressurized fluid is forced into the brake hoses and lines and kept there until you release the pedal.
The constant heat and pressure of the fluid can result in the fluid overheating. If this happens, we advise pulling over ASAP and allowing your brakes to cool. If the brake fluid is allowed to overheat, it loses its hydraulic properties, and the brakes will fail. We can fix this problem by replacing the fluid.
If you have a problem with your brakes, call us right away at Tony Honda Kona.
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