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.
The P0430 code signals a catalytic converter efficiency issue. Learn what it means, common symptoms, and how Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA can help diagnose and fix it.
Low coolant levels can lead to engine overheating and costly repairs. Learn the common causes and when to visit Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA for expert cooling system service.
Ensure safe driving with expert brake service & repair at Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA. Experience quality care. Schedule an online appointment now!
Looking for the best auto shop near you in Seaside, CA? Here’s how to find one you can trust—plus why Wayside Garage stands out from the rest.
Avoid engine damage and costly repairs with regular oil changes in Seaside, CA. Learn why Wayside Garage’s maintenance plan makes it easy to stay on schedule.
Looking for a mechanic near Seaside, CA? Discover how to spot a trustworthy auto shop with expert tips from Wayside Garage.
Stay cool this summer with professional car A/C repair in Seaside, CA. Wayside Garage offers expert diagnostics, recharge service, and free pick-up and delivery.
Discover top-notch transmission repair at Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA. Ensure smooth driving with our expert team. Schedule an online appointment now!
How Do I Know If My Tires Are Safe to Drive On? Tips from Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA for National Tire Safety Week Tire safety is one of those things drivers don’t think about — until it’s too late. But as a local shop owner with over 38 years under the hood, I can tell you: the health of your tires has a major impact on how your car handles, brakes, and keeps you safe out on the road. That’s why we’re proud to support National Tire Safety Week 2025 , happening June 30 to July 4 — an annual effort from the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association to educate drivers on proper tire maintenance. And right here at Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA , we’re doing our part to help folks check in before they check out for summer road trips. 🚗 So, How Do You Know If Your Tires Are Safe? It really comes down to four key checks — easy to remember with the acronym P.A.R.T .: 🔹 P = Pressure Low tire pressure leads to poor fuel economy, sluggish handling, and faster wear. We recommend checking pressure monthly, especially before long drives. Always check when your tires are “cold” — that means before you hit the road, not after a grocery run. 🔹 A = Alignment If your car’s drifting left or right, or your steering feels off, your alignment may be out of whack. Misalignment causes uneven wear, hurts handling, and can shorten your tire life — not to mention your patience. 🔹 R = Rotation You’d be surprised how fast tires can wear unevenly. We rotate tires every 5,000–7,500 miles to make sure all four tires wear evenly. This extends tire life and keeps your vehicle handling the way it should. 🔹 T = Tread Tires need grip, especially in wet or winding road conditions. We recommend checking tread depth monthly. If your tire tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch or less — or if you see visible cracking or bulges — it’s time to replace them. 💡 Quick Tip: Stick a penny into your tread, Lincoln's head down. If you can see all of Honest Abe's noggin, your tread is too low. 🛠️ What We Offer at Wayside Garage, Seaside CA We’ve been serving the Seaside community for nearly four decades, and tire safety is something we don’t take lightly. Our tire services include: Tire pressure checks and adjustments Computerized wheel alignments Tire rotations and balancing Tread inspections and honest tire replacement recommendations Tire age checks — rubber breaks down over time, even if your tread looks good. Most tires should be replaced every 6 years, regardless of wear. Whether you're planning a road trip or just commuting to work, swing by Wayside Garage in Seaside for a tire check. No pressure (pun intended) — just experienced, straightforward service you can trust. ❓ FAQ: Tire Safety Questions We Hear All the Time Q: How do I know when my tires need to be replaced? A: If your tread is worn past 2/32", your tires are over six years old, or you notice bulges or cracks — it’s time to replace them. Q: How often should I rotate my tires? A: Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. We include this as part of routine maintenance at Wayside Garage. Q: Can alignment affect tire wear that quickly? A: Absolutely. One pothole or curb can knock alignment off. If your car pulls or your tires wear unevenly, it’s time for an alignment check. Q: What tire pressure should I use? A: Check your driver’s door sticker or owner’s manual — never use the number printed on the tire itself. 🏁 Drive Into Summer with Confidence This National Tire Safety Week , don’t just guess your tires are safe — know they are. Bring your vehicle to Wayside Garage in Seaside, California and let our experienced team give your tires a full safety check. You’ll leave knowing your pressure’s perfect, your alignment’s dialed in, and your tread is road-trip ready. Stop by or schedule your service today — we’re here to keep you rolling, safely.
Support breast cancer research with Wayside Garage! Get free brake pads in October and help fund the Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine. Call now to book!
