Posted on 9/26/2025
When you press your brake pedal, you expect a firm, responsive feel that gives you confidence in your stopping power. If the pedal feels soft or spongy instead, it’s a sign that something in your braking system isn’t working as it should. While this can happen gradually over time or appear suddenly, it always deserves prompt attention. Being aware of the most common causes of a soft brake pedal can help you know what to expect and why addressing the issue early is so important. How Your Brake System Works Your vehicle’s braking system relies on hydraulic pressure to slow or stop the car. When you press the brake pedal, fluid travels through brake lines to calipers or wheel cylinders, which then apply pressure to the brake pads or shoes. Those pads press against rotors or drums, creating friction that slows the vehicle. For this system to work correctly, it depends on properly functioning components and a sealed hydraulic system. If anything interr ... read more