If you like to work on your own vehicles instead of taking them to a mechanic, you need to have knowledge about basic auto parts. We aren't professionals either but we do know enough to make minor repairs on our vehicles. We've learned what we know by talking to mechanics and reading books on auto repair.
We've written this auto parts blog to give you basic information about various car parts and how they work. We'll also tell you the signs to look for when a part is going bad. We think that you'll find our blog helpful and informative whenever you need to fix your vehicle.
2 Signs Your Car's Brake Lines Have Air In Them
Lately, whenever you try to stop your car, you may have noticed that you are having problems doing so. Although you may be able to bring your car to a complete stop, it may take longer than usual, or you may feel that something does not feel quite right.
While your first thought may be that there is something wrong with the brakes, there is a possibility that there is air in the brake lines. If you suspect that this may be the case, look for the following signs whenever you step on the brake pedal.
1. Pedal Feels Spongy When You Step on the Brakes
One of the first signs that your brake lines have air inside of them is if the pedal feels spongy whenever you depress it. Normally, the pedal should feel smooth and firm as you step on it because the hydraulic pressure within the lines is kept at a constant thanks to the brake fluid.
However, if air has become trapped within the lines, the pressure within them will decrease, and the amount of fluid in any given area will not be consistent. Not only will this make the pedal feel wrong when you use it, but the uneven pressure can also make your vehicle stop more slowly than it should.
2. Pedal Goes All the Way to the Floor When Braking
Along with making the brake pedal feel spongy, trapped air in the brake lines will also make the pedal go all the way to the floor when you use your brakes. Since the brake lines are part of a closed system that allows for the proper amount of pressure, the pedal will typically meet resistance and stop about halfway down when you are depressing it.
However, when air has entered into the brake lines, the brake fluid becomes displaced, and the pressure is decreased. Because of this lowered pressures, you will have to press the pedal harder and down further than normal, with it eventually hitting the floor if the problem is not addressed.
Even if you have your brakes bled to get rid of the excess air, it will not fix the issue that caused air to get into the lines in the first place. More than likely, one of the brake lines is damaged and should be replaced. Visit an auto parts store that sells hydraulic hoses for brake lines for help with choosing the right one for your vehicle.
To learn more, contact a resource like Williams Oil Filter Service Co..