Can Old Brake Fluid Cause Spongy Brakes? Get the Facts!
Spongy brakes should not be dismissed as a minor inconvenience as they pose a significant danger that can impair your vehicle’s capacity to come to a halt during critical moments. One potential culprit behind spongy brakes is old brake fluid.
In this article, we’ll dive into the relationship between old brake fluid and spongy brakes, as well as explore other common causes of this dangerous issue.
What Are Spongy Brakes, Anyway?
Before we dive to the details, let’s first define what we mean with spongy brakes. Essentially, spongy brakes occur when your brake pedal feels soft or mushy when pressed, as opposed to the firm, responsive sensation you should normally experience.
Spongy brakes can not only make driving your car feel not quite right, but they could also be risky. As the speed of response of your brakes increase and so does the risk of an accident happening.
The Role of Old Brake Fluid in Spongy Brakes
So, can old brake fluid be the root cause of spongy brakes? Absolutely! Over time, brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air, which lowers its boiling point and reduces its effectiveness.
The consequence of this process is the emergence of gas bubbles within the fluid, rendering it compressible and resulting in the unwelcome spongy sensation when applying the brakes.
How to Tell if It’s Time for a Brake Fluid Change
To prevent spongy brakes attributable to aged brake fluid, it is vital to monitor the condition of your brake fluid regularly and replace it when deemed necessary.
Here are a few signs that it might be time for a change:
- Your brake fluid appears dark or dirty
- It’s been over two years since your last brake fluid change
- You’ve recently experienced spongy brakes or other brake-related issues
Other Common Causes of Spongy Brakes
While old brake fluid is certainly one potential cause of spongy brakes, there are several other factors that can contribute to this issue. Some of the most common include:
- Air in the brake system: Air can get trapped in the brake lines, leading to a spongy pedal feel. Bleeding the brake lines can help remove any trapped air and restore proper brake function.
- Damaged brake lines: In the event that your brake lines are cracked, corroded, or have sustained any other form of damage, they may not possess the capacity to sustain the requisite pressure required for optimal braking performance.
- Damaged master cylinder: The master cylinder is responsible for creating hydraulic pressure in your brake system. If it’s damaged, it may not be able to maintain the necessary pressure, resulting in spongy brakes.
- Damaged brake calipers: They are responsible to squeeze the brake pads into the rotors, which slows your car down. In the event that they’re broken, they might not be able to exert enough pressure, resulting in soft.
- Leaking brake booster: The brake booster amplifies the force you apply to the brake pedal. If it’s leaking, it can cause a loss of pressure and that dreaded spongy feeling.
Diagnosing and Fixing Spongy Brakes
Should you encounter spongy brakes, it is imperative to promptly identify and resolve the problem. To do this, start by:
- Feeling for a change in pressure: Pay close attention to how your brake pedal feels when pressed. If it’s spongy or mushy, you likely have an issue with your brake system.
- Pumping the brakes with the key off: This could help you search whether there are leaks within the system of brakes. In the event that you experience a difference in pressure on the pedal while you are pumping the brakes, you could have a leak that requires to be fixed.
- Inspecting the brake system: Check your brake lines, master cylinder, brake calipers, and brake booster for signs of damage, wear, or leaks.
After you’ve pinpointed the problem It’s time to act. Here’s what to do depending on the cause of your spongy brakes:
- Old brake fluid: If your brake fluid is the issue, flush the system and replace it with fresh fluid. This should help restore proper brake function and eliminate the spongy feeling.
- Air in the brake system: Bleed your brake lines to remove any trapped air. This should help restore proper pressure and pedal feel.
- Damaged brake lines: If your brake lines have sustained any form of damage, it is necessary to replace them. Have a professional mechanic handle this task to ensure your safety on the road.
- Damaged master cylinder: If your master cylinder is the issue, you’ll likely need to replace it. This is a complex job that’s best left to a professional mechanic.
- Damaged brake calipers: If the calipers of your brake are damaged and creating the issue and are damaged, they’ll need to be replaced or repaired.
- Leaking brake booster: In the event that your brake booster has started to leak the booster will have to be replaced. This is another task that should be done by an expert.
How Does Old Brake Fluid Cause Corrosion?
As previously stated, brake fluid is considered hygroscopic, which implies that it can absorb moisture with time. This moisture not only impacts the performance of your brakes but also prompts corrosion within your brake system.
Here’s how:
- Moisture leads to rust: The moisture absorbed by old brake fluid can cause metal components within the brake system to rust. Over time, this rust can weaken parts such as brake lines, calipers, and the master cylinder, ultimately affecting the overall performance and safety of your brakes.
- Corrosive contaminants: Old brake fluid can also contain corrosive contaminants that can damage rubber seals and other non-metal components in your braking system. These damaged seals can then cause leaks, further compromising your brakes’ performance.
Regular Maintenance is Key
To prevent spongy brakes caused by old brake fluid or other issues, it’s crucial to maintain your vehicle with regular inspections and service appointments. Outlined below are some pointers to maintain the optimal condition of your brake system:
- Check your brake fluid regularly: Get into the habit of checking your brake fluid level and its condition. If you notice the fluid is low or appears contaminated, it’s time for a change.
- Follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule: Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will have a recommended maintenance schedule for brake fluid replacement, along with other crucial service intervals. Be sure to follow these guidelines.
- Get professional help: If you’re unsure how to check or change your brake fluid or feel uncomfortable doing it yourself, consult a professional mechanic. They can help ensure your brake system is in proper working order.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Ignore Spongy Brakes
In conclusion, old brake fluid can indeed cause spongy brakes, but it’s just one of several potential culprits. No matter the cause, it’s essential to address spongy brakes as soon as possible to ensure your vehicle’s safety and proper functioning.
It is imperative to keep in mind that driving with spongy brakes is unsafe since it may result in a protracted stopping distance or even a total loss of brake pressure. If you encounter this problem, do not delay – seek the services of a competent mechanic without delay to inspect and rectify your brakes.
Stay safe, and happy driving!
