Car symptom
Weak or spongy brakes
Never delay on brakes. A soft pedal, sinking pedal or long stopping distance needs attention now.
Most likely causes
- Air in the lines
- Low brake fluid / leak
- Worn pads or discs
- Failed brake booster
- Contaminated pads
Checks to run
- Check fluid level and color
- Inspect for leaks at each wheel
- Bleed the system
- Inspect pads and discs
Tools you may need
Bleeding kit
Brake fluid
Confirm before replacing. These are hypotheses to check — never buy parts on a guess. If the fault involves brakes, airbags or fuel under pressure, use a professional.
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FAQ
It depends on the cause. Some causes are cheap and quick; others (like a head gasket or seized caliper) need attention soon. Work through the checks in order and confirm before replacing parts.
Start with the free checks listed here. If they involve high voltage, fuel under pressure, airbags or brakes, let a professional handle it.
The interactive diagnostic asks targeted questions to narrow it down, and every cause must be confirmed with a measurement — never guess.