You’re cruising down the highway, and suddenly, traffic comes to a halt. You slam on the brakes, but there's a disconcerting delay before the car actually begins to slow down. This scenario, known as brake lag, can be a terrifying and potentially dangerous situation for any driver.
We know, all too well, the importance of a responsive braking system. Functioning car brakes instill confidence behind the wheel, allowing you to react quickly and safely to unforeseen situations. Brake lag disrupts this operation for several reasons.
We told you why your brakes were squeaking. Today, we’re here to discuss why they are lagging so that you can address the issue and ensure your car comes to a stop when you need it to.
1. Air in the Brake Lines
Air pockets within the brake lines act like little compressible springs. When you press the pedal, these air pockets compress slightly before the hydraulic pressure reaches the calipers and engages the brakes. This translates to a noticeable delay in braking response.
Fortunately, this is a relatively common issue with a straightforward solution. A process called bleeding the brakes involves forcing the air out of the system using a specialized tool. This restores the proper flow of brake fluid and eliminates the spongy pedal feel and brake lag caused by air pockets.
2. Worn Brake Pads
As brake pads wear down through friction with the rotors, the distance the caliper piston needs to travel to press the pads firmly against the rotors increases. It’s like pushing down on a worn-out pair of shoes – it takes more effort to get the same amount of stopping power. This can lead to a spongy feeling in the brake pedal and a slight delay in braking response.
Regularly checking your brake pad thickness is important. Pads reach their wear limit in up to 70,000 miles. When you get this milestone, replace them with high-quality parts, ensure optimal braking performance, and eliminate lag caused by insufficient pad material.
3. Faulty Brake Calipers
Over time, brake calipers can malfunction due to internal corrosion or worn seals. This can hinder the calipers' ability to clamp the brake pads firmly against the rotors, resulting in brake lag and a reduced feeling of braking power.
In some cases, the calipers might exhibit uneven pressure or sticking pistons, causing the car to pull to one side during braking.
If you suspect faulty calipers, we recommend a visual inspection by a qualified car mechanic at our auto repair shop. Based on the severity of the damage, caliper repair or replacement might be necessary to restore proper braking function and eliminate lag.
4. Low Brake Fluid
Brake fluid plays a critical role in transmitting hydraulic pressure throughout the braking system. Low brake fluid levels can lead to a spongy pedal feel and a delay in braking response because there's not enough fluid to create the necessary pressure.
It's important to note that low brake fluid can also indicate a leak in the system, which is a more serious issue.
Regularly checking your brake fluid level is a good habit. If the fluid level is low, topping it off with the recommended type of fluid might be a temporary solution. However, if the fluid level continues to drop, have a qualified mechanic inspect the system for leaks and address them promptly to prevent brake failure.
5. Deteriorated Brake Rotors
Brake rotors are the discs that the brake pads clamp onto to slow down the wheels. Warped or excessively worn brake rotors can cause an uneven application of braking force, leading to a pulsating sensation in the brake pedal and potentially contributing to brake lag.
Imagine a warped record – the needle jumps as it travels across the uneven surface. Similarly, a warped rotor can cause the brake pads to make uneven contact, affecting braking performance.
If you experience a pulsating brake pedal or suspect worn rotors based on visual inspection, resurfacing the rotors (smoothing out the warped surface) or replacing them altogether can rectify the issue and eliminate brake lag caused by uneven contact between the pads and rotors.
Address Brake Lag in Pinellas Park with Platinum Wrench Auto Repair
Brake lag is a serious issue that shouldn't be ignored. Even a slight delay in braking response can significantly increase stopping distances and put you at risk. If you experience any signs of delayed braking response, like a spongy pedal, pulsating sensation, or increased pedal travel distance, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with a qualified mechanic.
Our certified technicians possess over 43 years of experience diagnosing and getting to the bottom of brake lag and recommending the appropriate auto repairs. We utilize cutting-edge equipment and high-quality parts to ensure your braking system functions optimally, keeping you safe on the road.
With convenient weekend and evening hours and a commitment to same-day repairs whenever possible, Platinum Wrench Auto Repair prioritizes your safety and gets you back on the road with confidence. Don't let a lagging braking system compromise your peace of mind.
Contact us today and let our team ensure your car comes to a complete stop when you need it to.
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