WHY DOES MY BRAKE PEDAL FEEL STIFF?

December 30, 2022 Sil’s Auto Care Centre

When you press down on your brake pedal, it should be able to move back up without any resistance quickly. But if the pedal feels stiff and challenging to push down, this could indicate a severe issue with your brakes. To understand why your brake pedal might feel stiff, it’s essential to look at the components of your braking system and some common causes of stiffness.

What Makes Up Your Braking System?

Your vehicle’s braking system comprises several components that all work together to allow you to slow and stop safely. This includes the brake lines, wheel cylinders, master cylinders, calipers, rotors, and discs – all essential for properly functioning brakes.

Common Causes of Brake Pedal Stiffness

There are a few critical causes of brake pedal stiffness that could be impacting your vehicle. These include:

Leaks in the braking system: Often, the entire system will be affected if there is an issue with one component of your brakes. This can create a vacuum leak, making it harder to press down on the brake pedal.
Faulty master cylinder: The master cylinder supplies pressure to all four brakes, so if this is faulty, you may have difficulty pressing down on the brake pedal. Your mechanic can inspect the master cylinder to determine if it needs to be replaced.
Worn brake pads: If your brake pads are worn out, they won’t have the exact grip on the rotors and discs. This can cause stiffness in the brake pedal as you press down. To replace the pads, your mechanic must remove them and install new ones.
Air in the braking system: Air can quickly get into the braking system by way of a leak or simply through wear and tear over time. This air creates resistance when you press down on the brake pedal, making it harder to depress than usual.

Having a stiff brake pedal can be dangerous, so it’s essential to get it checked out by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.

Keep Safety in Mind

If you experience any stiffness in the brake pedal, it’s best to have it checked out by an experienced mechanic as soon as possible. Bring your car to Sil’s Complete Auto Care Centre for brake repairs, maintenance, and inspections. Our team of certified mechanics is here to help you stay safe on the road.

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Steve Taylor Dec 12, 2023

Sue at Sil’s is amazing! And the whole team is wonderful, knowledgeable and transparent and I once again received excellent service from their team. I never hesitate to give them a call for any of my car concerns.
Manon Boyle May 5, 2023

Every aspect of my first visit there was so professional. My questions were answered so that I understood. I was listened to and respected I was offered a shuttle, a place to wait, all provincial guidelines being followed. I felt safe and like I had finally found a trustworthy shop. I can’t believe this gem was here the whole time right under my nose. No wonder you have been in business all this time you gain the trust of your customers. Great Job.
Michelle Giacometti Feb 2, 2021

Quality work friendly, honest and great workmanship
Dolores Soca Jul 7, 2021

Always good communication and updates on issues and great service overall!!!!
f v - t.o Nov 11, 2023

Sil's ACC is my go to now. They are incredibly professional and knowledgeable. They provide a web based summary report that you can view and decide what work you want to proceed with and which you want to hold off on for a later time, which i find very helpful.
Dave Degrassi Dec 12, 2020

As usual great Customer Service, always keeping me informed of work to be completed and a great job with the repair. Great staff and ownership
Robert Oakley Apr 4, 2023

Service does not get any better than at Sil’s! Everyone is exceptionally helpful and the service people do an excellent job! I have recommended many people to go to Sils and now they are recommending others.
Jean Eckhart May 5, 2022

From power steering problems to rodent control these guys are the best.
Heather B Nov 11, 2023

Will definitely use Sil's again. Tommy was very helpful, gave us regular updates, worked with us to have the best value solution for our audi. Our car was ready on time and very clean when returned. Would recommend them to anyone looking for a well run auto shop.
George P Nov 11, 2023

Excellent work as always. Highly recommended.
CHARLES MULLER Jan 1, 2023

Great experience at Sil's, as usual. Staff were friendly, efficient and the whole process was smooth, and the work done was perfect.
Malcolm and June Surycz Oct 10, 2023

Sil's Auto Care Centre is the only auto shop you'll ever need to go to. Their staff are not only friendly and professional, but are also extremely knowledgeable and honest. I had my car serviced for a seasonal maintenance inspection and oil and filter changer service. Not only were they thorough with their job, but went beyond my expectations in providing a detailed report, loaner car and an interior and exterior clean. I'll definitely be returning for any auto needs and recommending Sil's to my family and friends. Thanks especially to Susan for her exceptional sevice!
Jeff Oct 10, 2023

I have always been a "bring it to the dealer" guy. After my dealer could not fit me in for immediate service (flat tire fix), I tried "Sil's". Briefly... I would specifically like to commend my mechanic, John... who came up with imaginative fixes for TWO (other) unconventional issues with my car. And the best part, there was a nominal charge on my bill for these. After this visit, Sil's has earned my "repeat business".
Paul Finlay Oct 10, 2023

A very good job for fixing my car thank you
Earle Angelo Valerio Oct 10, 2023

Excellent work, as always by the staff at Sil's.
Charles Muller May 5, 2023

I use the services of Sil's Auto for the upkeep of my car and am always reassured by their thorough and professional service. I like their detailed invoices which also include a Deferred Service section which prepares me for what the next service should be to keep my car roadworthy. I appreciate their friendly shuttle service with Tim and the patient answers I receive to all of my questions. On one occasion I had an emergency problem with a window that would not close and it was fixed with a smile and no charge.
Dolores Wielgus Oct 10, 2022

Excellent timely service , always.
Dave Billyard Feb 2, 2022

Great service and super friendly
Michael Capizzano Sep 9, 2023

This is a truly great Canadian company that you can always rely on and every time feel happy for their service quality, price and attitude.
Kui Wu Sep 9, 2023

Best place to take my truck, they are extremely professional, they make a detail summery of what's going on with my truck, with pictures included. Never felt so safe to take any of my cars like I do here, not only they are professional, but all of them are extremely friendly, from reception with Susan and Tommy, to the mechanics and the owner. 100% hands down, best garage out there.
Cynthia Insua Sep 9, 2023

best mechanics in Oakville
Blake Day Music Aug 8, 2023

Sil's is the best place I've found for my car needs. The staff and mechanics are amazing and always greet you with a smile. You will not be disappointed!!!
Natasha Marcoux Sep 9, 2023

Sil's Auto Care Centre came to my assistance when needed most!! While traveling in Mississauga, I needed my brakes replaced. The exceptional team at Sil's was there! All work was complete and competitively priced. Technologically updated with the latest equipment and access to information, my car details were available to the team to ensure best in quality repairs! I am profoundly appreciative for a job well done. Thanks to Susan for incredible scheduling and to Carlos, for keeping up the quality of work, established by his father, all those years ago. It is nice to return to the old neighbourhood and still be able to rely on quality services that we had when we lived here! Way to go!!
Pam Sep 9, 2023

Honest, transparent and they stand behind their work. Price may be higher than other places though they can work with you based on your budget.
R Mendes Nov 11, 2017

I want to express my sincere thanks to Carlo and his professional team at Sil's Auto Care Centre. Affordable diagnostic testing provided a complete and thorough online report along with urgency of each item and cost of repairs to make an informed decision. I was finally able to make the right decision about my car after speaking with Carlo. Carlo and his teams technical expertise and exceptional customer service makes Sil's Auto Care Centre a business I would recommend to my colleagues. Five star automotive service centre for the Toronto GTA. Thank you Carlo and team.
Susan H Sep 9, 2023

Great personal service.
Houston Hacienda Sep 9, 2023

I absolutely LOVE Sil's Auto. Carlo, Susan, Tommy and their great team of mechanics take the cake for me. Their work is a 10/10 and the trust factor is reinforced over time. I would recommend anyone to Sil's without hesitation.
Melinda Prain Sep 9, 2021

I am very impressed with quality and promptness in service provided here at this auto care centre. This was my first visit to this place and I am glad the tow truck guy introduced me to this CAA approved place. Susan was very courteous, knowledgeable. Auto repairs are generally expensive but to find a place where you can trust that the job will be well taken care of … not easy to find.
Preeta Mishra Aug 8, 2023

Excellent service. Sil's is remarkably thorough and checks for all possible issues when a vehicle goes in for seasonal maintenance. This is a trustworthy premium operation, associated with CAA.
Richard B. Day Aug 8, 2023

My recent experience with Carlo and his team at Sil's Auto Care Centre was exceptional. They expertly explained and fixed my car issues while offering a clear cost breakdown. What's also remarkable is their modern web platform providing detailed vehicle reports online. Their shuttle service adds convenience, ensuring a seamless experience. This mechanic and garage excel in both expertise and innovation, making them my top recommendation for automotive needs.
Gift Tshuma Aug 8, 2023

Amazing experience. Quick service, more than adequate diagnostic testing on my car, clearly writenn out with pictures attached to an email. Affordable diagnostic testing. Susan is wonderful, she tells you what needs to be done but doesn't try to upsell you on anything. Really listens to customer needs and uses her knowledge and experience to provide the best customer service.
Trinity Duff Aug 8, 2023

Susan was great and helped me with my requirements thus time. She also organised for me to be dropped off and picked up from my residence. Tim was great too. Service to my car was completed on time and was well done.
Andre Leung Apr 4, 2023

The staff and the work here are superior. They are honest and send a complete summary with pics/videos to describe their findings before the work is approved. Shuttle service is great too! I highly recommend these professionals!!!
Alice Kennedy Mar 3, 2023

I could not have asked for a better experience going to a new mechanic. My family has taken their cars to the same auto shop since my mother was a teenager, but after moving to Mississauga and having my car break down, I knew it wasn’t going to be able to make the drive to our regular mechanic in another city. Sil’s was the closest to me, so I chose them on a whim but it was well worth it - I’ve found my new regular shop! They were open and honest with me about every single thing that could be fixed, as well as advising what actually *needs* to be fixed to keep it on the road. Ultimately I decided that the car isn’t worth fixing, but I didn’t feel pressured at all into doing anything, and the inspection price was incredibly reasonable. Thank you so much to the team!!
Carly Preiss Aug 8, 2023

They were fantastic, quick and so lovely!!!
Olenka Karetnik Aug 8, 2023

Absolutely phenomenal service!!! Carlo welcomed me to the shop as if it was my own home and treated me like family.
Mehdy Mesh Aug 8, 2023

While I was out the brakes started to grind. I immediatey brought it to Sil's. Talk about great service Carlo gave me a loaner car and promised to update me on their progress. He delivered. I have always brought my vehicles there and they are always professional, and thorough. Highly-qualified team.
Linda McCutcheon Aug 8, 2023

Sil's is very detailed, does excellent work and is very honest and fair. Carlo, Tommy and Susan in the front are always thorough and helpful. I would recommend them to anyone in the area!
Dave K Aug 8, 2023

Great service -very thorough and honest -highly recommend this place - they keep you informed and deliver what they promise
Margo stuart Aug 8, 2023

I have been driving many years and this is the best place i have taken my car to. Professional, friendly, and detailed in their work. They let me know what needs to be done, what will need to be done, and what was still in good order. Sent me pictures of what they were doing. My car was cleaned on the inside, which was a bonus. Price wise, they were fair... no hidden surprises. I will be going to Sil's Auto Care for all of my car needs. I would rate 10/10.
Luisa Ellis Aug 8, 2023

Excellent customer service, great expertise, and professional report, helping customer reduce cost without compromise quality.
Camilla Li Aug 8, 2023

I've been having my vehicles serviced at Sil's Auto Care Center for over 20 years. I have never been disappointed or had any concerns with the quality of work completed on my vehicles. Sil's is customer focused business and their friendly and knowledgeable staff are always available to answer any questions and discuss any repairs needed for your vehicle. I would highly recommend having your vehicle serviced at Sil's Auto Care Center.
Graeme Hotchkiss Dec 12, 2019

Excellent quick honest service, very professional
Ghazale Restaur Aug 8, 2023