At Maclane’s Automotive, we’ve had many situations when an accident was avoided thanks to just a few inches of difference. Most often, it was because of a minor leak, soft pedal, or brake light on the dashboard that the owner was planning to fix “next week.” In the case of driving a car, truck, or SUV, brake line repair is unavoidable if needed.
Postponing the repairs can easily transform the problem into a serious threat. Our professionals have had many situations when an accident was avoided thanks to just a few inches of difference. Most often, it was because of a minor leak, soft pedal, or brake light on the dashboard that the owner was planning to fix “next week.”
In the case of driving a car, truck, or SUV, brake line repair is unavoidable if needed. Postponing the repairs can easily transform the problem into a serious threat.
What Brake Lines Actually Do
Despite all the myths that exist, your brakes don’t work like magic. Pressing the pedal results in the brake fluid going through brake lines under high pressure. This pressure allows your calipers or wheel cylinders to squeeze the wheels and stop your car.
If your brake lines are old, rusted, cracked, or leaking, you will have insufficient pressure in your brakes. If the pressure becomes low enough, pressing the pedal will give you almost nothing in return.
Early Signs Your Brake Line May Be Failing
Brake line problems don’t always announce themselves loudly at first. A lot of drivers adapt without realizing it, pressing the pedal a little harder each week and assuming it’s just “older vehicle stuff.”
Common warning signs we tell customers to take seriously include:
- A soft or spongy brake pedal, or a pedal that slowly sinks while you’re stopped
- Visible wet spots under the vehicle (brake fluid can look clear to amber and feels slick)
Should you experience any of the listed problems, it would be wise to have your brake lines inspected. While your brakes are working now, sooner or later you will lose pressure.
What Happens If You Keep Driving On A Bad Brake Line
When people delay brake line repair, the most common outcome is not “it stays the same.” It gets worse, and usually faster than expected. Here’s what we see happen in the shop when someone waits.
The Leak Gets Bigger, Not Better
Brake fluid leaks don’t seal themselves. Small pinhole leaks can spread, and rusted sections can open up when the system is under pressure. The more you brake, the more fluid you can lose.
Your Stopping Distance Increases
Even before brake lines break down completely, low hydraulic pressure may cause your brakes to apply insufficient force to decelerate the vehicle. This is especially dangerous when towing a load, braking in rainy weather, or driving downhill.
The Pedal Can Suddenly Drop To The Floor
This is the one that scares people because it can happen without much warning. A line can burst during a panic stop or even during normal braking if the line is weak enough. When that happens, the pedal can go straight down, and you’ll have little to no braking ability.
True, some cars have split brake systems, which allow for partial braking in case of a brake line failure. However, partial braking is an emergency situation that could cause the vehicle to move unpredictably to one side.
You Can Damage Other Brake Components
In case of a low brake fluid level in the tank, air may enter your brake lines, leading to a spongy feel and inconsistency of the pedal. Besides, driving with damaged brake lines will put additional strain on your master cylinder and other hydraulic components.
Why Brake Lines Fail In The First Place
We often hear, “How did this even happen?” Most brake line issues come down to a few everyday causes.
Rust And Corrosion
Three things that combine to make a dangerous situation for brake lines are road salt, moisture, and time. Steel brake lines can be corroded from the outside inward, and once corrosion begins, it tends to continue.
Physical Damage
Damage from physical causes may include damage from debris, improper jacking, off-road use, or damage resulting from work on suspension parts. Any kinking or pinching of a brake line can result in damage.
Age And Wear
Rubber flex hoses attached to the wheels will eventually wear out, developing cracks or swelling. A worn flex hose behaves just like a failed brake line, creating the same pressure loss problems.
What To Do If You Suspect A Brake Line Problem
If you suspect brake lines are being damaged or have been damaged, consider the problem a potentially hazardous issue.
If the brakes do not feel secure, the brake warning light is on, or fluid is evident on the ground, it is unwise to continue driving “and see if it gets better.” In many cases, it is best to pull over to the side and call for assistance in having the vehicle towed to the shop.
At Maclane’s Automotive, our philosophy is simple: we examine the entire brake line system, determine the damaged portion, and offer advice regarding the best course of action for repairing the brake lines. We also inspect the surrounding brake lines and rubber flex hoses, as severe rust on one section often indicates that the others are near failure.
Brake Line Repair: What You Can Expect
Repairing brake lines is not always an identical process due to differences in the construction of vehicles and the damage done. Generally speaking, however, brake line repair requires that the faulty brake line or hose be removed, replaced with the appropriate part(s), installed safely, and the brake system bled.
We also look for the root cause. If corrosion is the issue, we’ll talk through what else should be monitored so you’re not back in the same situation a few months later.
The Bottom Line: Waiting Is The Most Expensive Option
People often delay brake line repair because the vehicle still stops “well enough.” But brakes don’t need to be completely gone to be dangerous. And when it breaks down, you don’t get to pick the time. Your brake line can fail on the road, in traffic, with your family in the car, or while towing a trailer.
If you notice that something has changed about the feel of your brake pedal, if your brake warning light is on, or if you see brake fluid puddles around the place where you park your car, it’s better to inspect them sooner rather than later. Give us a call at (610) 822-9956, and we’ll help you check your brakes at Maclane’s Automotive in Downingtown, PA.
