Why Does My Brake Pedal Feel Squishy?
October 14, 2024
If you've ever pressed down on your brake pedal and felt it sink lower than usual or feel "squishy," it’s a sign that something is off with your braking system. While it can be unsettling, it's important to understand the possible reasons behind this sensation and how to address it to keep your vehicle safe.
Common Causes of a Squishy Brake Pedal
- Air in the Brake Lines One of the most common causes of a soft brake pedal is air trapped in the brake lines. Your brakes rely on hydraulic pressure to work properly. If air gets into the system, it can cause inconsistent pressure, resulting in that squishy feeling when you press the pedal. This typically happens after a brake fluid change or due to a leak in the system.
- Low or Old Brake Fluid Over time, your brake fluid can absorb moisture, which reduces its effectiveness. Low fluid levels can also affect brake performance. Brake fluid needs to be replaced regularly to maintain optimal braking power. Check your owner’s manual or follow Wayside Garage's Brake Fluid Service recommendation every 24,000 miles or two years​.
- Worn Brake Pads Brake pads wear down over time, and when they get too thin, it can cause the brake pedal to feel soft. If you hear a squealing sound or notice a reduction in braking performance, it’s time to get those pads inspected.
- Leaking Brake Lines or Cylinders A leak in your brake system, whether in the lines, calipers, or wheel cylinders, can lead to a loss of brake fluid. As the fluid leaks out, it affects the pressure in the system, resulting in a spongy or squishy brake pedal.
- Master Cylinder Issues The master cylinder is the heart of your braking system. If it starts to wear out, the seals inside can fail, allowing brake fluid to bypass the internal chambers. This reduces the hydraulic pressure in the system, leading to that soft pedal feel.
Why You Shouldn't Ignore a Squishy Brake Pedal
Brakes are your car’s most important safety feature. If your brake pedal doesn’t feel right, it’s crucial to get your vehicle inspected as soon as possible. Ignoring it could result in reduced stopping power or complete brake failure, putting you and others at risk.
At Wayside Garage, our team of certified technicians will perform a thorough brake inspection, checking for worn parts, fluid levels, and leaks. We recommend sticking to our brake fluid service schedule every two years to ensure your braking system remains in top condition​.
Brakes for Breasts: Get Your Brakes Checked, Support a Great Cause!
October is the perfect time to get your brakes inspected, and at Wayside Garage, we’re proud to participate in the Brakes for Breasts campaign. Throughout the month, we’re offering FREE brake pads with every brake service. All you pay for is the labor and any additional parts, and a portion of the proceeds goes to breast cancer research. It’s a great way to ensure your safety while contributing to a worthy cause.
Schedule Your Brake Service Today
If your brake pedal feels squishy or you’ve noticed other issues, don’t wait. Call Wayside Garage today to schedule a brake inspection and take advantage of our Brakes for Breasts promotion. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities.
These days, keeping your car longer just makes sense. New vehicle prices, rising interest rates, higher registration fees, and insurance costs have more folks than ever asking: 👉 “ How do I make my car last longer?” At Wayside Garage, we specialize in helping our clients get the most life out of their vehicles with affordable, preventative maintenance — and we’ve been doing it for generations. Why Car Maintenance Is Smarter Than Buying New The cost to maintain your current car is dramatically lower than replacing it. Here’s a quick comparison: Maintaining your vehicle: About $0.25–$0.30 per mile Buying new or newer: Anywhere from $0.80 to $1.20 per mile That’s a huge difference. We even have a cost-to-own video that breaks this down in more detail — just ask and we’ll send it to you! Tips to Make Your Car Last Longer Want to protect your vehicle (and your wallet)? Here’s how: 🔧 Stick to a Maintenance Schedule We recommend servicing your vehicle at least twice a year — ideally every four months. At Wayside Garage, we make it easy by pre-scheduling priority reservations for our customers. Here’s what to keep up with: Oil & filter changes Fluid checks & top-offs Battery & charging system tests (especially before colder weather) Brake inspections at least once a year Belts, hoses & filter checks annually 🚨 Don’t Ignore Warning Signs If you hear a strange noise or see a warning light, don’t wait. Catching small issues early can save you thousands and avoid roadside breakdowns. 🛞 Rotate & Align Tires A yearly wheel alignment protects your suspension, brakes, and tires — and improves fuel economy too. Real Customer Example: 300,000+ Miles Strong One of our long-time customers drives a Volkswagen we’ve maintained since it was nearly new. He just passed 300,000 miles — and it’s still going strong. Recently, we caught his wheel bearings needing replacement before they failed. The repair cost him around $800–$1,000 — less than one month’s payment on a new car. That fix will last him years, and he avoided a breakdown entirely. Be Proactive, Not Reactive That’s our best advice in one word: Proactive. Plan ahead. Know what’s coming. Spread out services to avoid big surprises. And treat your car like your body — the more care you give it, the longer it’ll serve you well. Need Help Keeping Your Car Running? At Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA , we’ve got your back. Our certified technicians follow a proven maintenance plan based on nearly 40 years of experience to keep your car safe, efficient, and long-lasting. 📞 Call us today at (831) 899-2425 or stop by to schedule your next service.
Need brake repair near Seaside or Monterey? Free pads and 10% donated to breast cancer research through Oct. 31st at Wayside Garage. Book now.
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October is more than just pumpkin patches and crisp fall air. For many families in Monterey, it's also the start of darker evenings, wetter roads, and more time on the road. That’s why October is the perfect time to think about one of the most important safety features on your vehicle: your brakes. At Wayside Garage, we participate in the Brakes for Breasts campaign every October. It's not just about brake repair — it’s about raising awareness, supporting breast cancer research, and keeping our community safe on the roads. ________________________________________ What Are the Signs Your Brakes Might Need Attention? Your brakes are your first line of defense in an emergency. If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, it’s time to get your brakes checked: • Squealing or grinding noises • A soft or “spongy” brake pedal • Car pulling to one side when braking • Vibration or shaking when you press the brakes • Increased stopping distance Ignoring these signs can lead to expensive repairs down the road — or worse, a serious accident. We always say: if it feels off, bring it in. ________________________________________ Why Brake Inspections Matter More in Fall With more rain, shorter days, and holiday travel ahead, your brakes are under more stress in the fall. At Wayside Garage, we see an uptick in emergency brake repairs this time of year — many of which could have been avoided with a quick inspection. Our certified technicians will perform a comprehensive brake check, looking at: • Brake pads and rotors • Brake fluid level and condition • Brake lines and hoses • Calipers and hardware And if you’re part of our Wayside Garage Maintenance Plan, your brake inspections are included with your scheduled services. That’s one more reason to stay on track with routine care. ________________________________________ Brakes for Breasts: Repair With a Purpose Every October, we join auto shops nationwide for the Brakes for Breasts campaign. Here’s how it works at Wayside Garage: • You get free brake pads (you only pay for labor and any additional parts if needed). • We donate 10% of the brake job to the Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine Fund. It’s a meaningful way to protect your family on the road while supporting groundbreaking research that could change lives. ________________________________________ Why Choose Wayside Garage for Brake Service? We know you have options when it comes to brake repair in Monterey. So why do so many drivers trust us? • Family-owned and operated since 1946 • ASE-certified technicians who care about doing it right • Honest inspections and clear explanations • Free digital vehicle health reports • A shop built on integrity, hospitality, and professionalism When you bring your vehicle to us, you're not just another ticket — you're part of the Wayside Garage family. ________________________________________ Schedule Your Brake Inspection Today October is the best time to have your brakes checked — and support a great cause while you're at it. Whether you’re noticing a problem or just want peace of mind before the holidays, give us a call or schedule an appointment online. Let's keep your vehicle — and your community — safe this fall.
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