October 30, 2022
Get to Know What’s Causing Your Brake Pedal to Feel Spongy
Photo by Benjamin Brunner under Unsplash License
Are you wondering why your brake pedal seemed to have gone soft? A soft or spongy brake pedal is a common concern, and it usually doesn’t cost a lot of money to get it repaired. You can have your trusted mechanic fix it or, if you have the skills, you can repair it yourself.
So, why do brake pedals become soft or feel spongy? Veteran Car Donations points out five of the top causes of this issue:
- Air in the brakes
Having air in the brakes is the most common cause of a soft brake pedal. Once air makes its way into the brake lines, it can interrupt the proper flow of the brake fluid, resulting in an unusual pedal feel.
To get rid of the air, you need to bleed the brakes (or flush the brake fluid in simpler terms). This prevents the old fluid from boiling, which causes a low brake pedal. With clean fluid, you get to protect and preserve brake components like the master cylinder and anti-lock brake system.
- Old brake fluid
Although brake fluid has a long lifespan, it won’t last forever. Provided there’s no leak in the brake system, the fluid can last over 100,000 miles. However, once air enters the system, it begins to oxidize and adds moisture to the brake fluid, hurting your brake system.
More moisture means spongier brakes. Make sure to flush the system and change your old brake fluid to avoid this issue.
- Damaged brake lines
Damaged brake lines are another known cause of a soft brake pedal. The lines are susceptible to damage if you live in a coastal area or you often drive along roads with rock salt. Moisture and rock salt both promote rust on brake lines, which can then cause leaks, allowing brake fluid to escape and air to get into the system.
- Worn master cylinder
A broken seal in the master cylinder can produce two undesirable outcomes. First, brake fluid is likely to leak out of the cylinder, causing the brakes to get spongy. Second, air may enter the system, which leads to the same result.
- Leaking disc brake calipers
A rusted disc brake caliper can cause the internal piston seal to leak brake fluid. Once your caliper starts leaking, you’ll end up with more than just spongy brakes. You’ll notice your brake fluid going down as it leaks into the rotors and brake pads.
Donate an Unwanted Vehicle for a Meaningful Cause
Has your car become more of a liability than an asset with its constant need for expensive repairs and maintenance? Well then, maybe it’s time to part ways with it. If you can’t sell it for a good enough price, you might as well donate it to a charity that supports a cause close to your heart and one that will provide you with a rewarding experience.
When you turn over that vehicle to us at Veteran Car Donations, we’ll use it to help the struggling veterans in your community live the healthy, decent, and dignified lives they deserve.
We’ll put your donated vehicle up for auction, with the proceeds going to some of our nation’s leading military and veteran nonprofit organizations that are in partnership with us. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits are dedicated to helping veterans who are suffering from homelessness, inability to find jobs, service-connected disabilities, and illnesses, including mental health conditions.
They use the funding we give them to provide their beneficiaries with housing and financial assistance, employment and livelihood opportunities, family support, free quality health care and medical treatment, psychotherapy services, and other services meant to improve their living conditions.
You will also reap outstanding rewards from your charitable contribution. Not only will you benefit from our free professional towing service (we operate in all states), but you’ll also enjoy our quick and stress-free donation process where you don’t have to do any paperwork.
Plus, you’ll have the privilege of claiming the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.
Above all, you’ll have the ultimate pleasure and satisfaction of doing something extraordinary that can help provide a better future for our nation’s heroes.
We accept almost all vehicle types, even those that are no longer in good condition. Check out this page to learn what else we take aside from cars.
You can check out our FAQs page to get to know our quick and convenient donation process and other important details you may want to know about Veteran Car Donations. If you have questions or concerns, feel free to call us at 877-594-5822 or message us here.
Help Us Uplift the Lives of Our Hurting Heroes Today!
Photo by Tobi under Pexels License
After years of serving you, your old car deserves a worthy send-off. Turning it over to us will give it a new purpose as we will use it to uplift the lives of our disadvantaged heroes. Call Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or fill out our secure online donation form now!
Last Updated: August 23rd, 2023