1040 Winston Churchill Blvd, Oakville, ON l6J 7Y4

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WHY DOES MY BRAKE PEDAL FEEL STIFF?

why does my brake pedal feel stiff

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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Our Google Reviews

Caught a nail in a tire New Years Day as well as a part that was fixed on warranty and the great team at Sil’s had me back up and running right away on the January 2. Fast service

Peter J Thompson Jun 6, 2025

You can trust Sil's auto service to do their job accurately and to repair only what needs to be done.

Sandra Rumfeldt Jun 6, 2025

Phenomenal job, great customer service. Susan is super nice, I had many questions beyond repairing my car and she just kept deliver. Vehicle Condition Report is the star of the show, my friend seen it and want one too, first time I’ve see it and loved it. Visit and you won’t be disappointed.

Robert R Jun 6, 2025

Incredible customer service - always extremely thorough and deliver great service! I love their use of digital technology to make things very efficient. I trust Sil’s with all my vehicle needs!

Lacey Jackson Jun 6, 2025

Honest, competent guys. I like that they organize the report by severity and don't press you into getting anything done. My only issue is the washer fluid charge but that's just a few bucks.

Houssam H May 5, 2025

Very reliable, thorough and helpful auto service. I'm so pleased & relieved that I changed to Sils auto care for maintenance on my 2006 Hyundai Azera! Very knowledgeable & professional, empathic rapport! Thank you for your reliable service! Much appreciated.

Darcea Hiltz May 5, 2025

I totally trust Sil’s with my repairs and maintenance. Customer service is amazing. Carlo, Susan and Tommy 1/10! And prices are reasonable. 5 star’s for Sil’s!

Jacqueline T May 5, 2025

SIL is a very reliable & honest auto shop that is rare to find these days. The owner Carlo who is consistent and always go extra mile for costumer satisfaction & great service. The staffs are friendly and they explain everything in details, plus, they offer a complimentary shuttle in the mornings. Several occasions that they entrusted me to drive their shuttle home due to driver's unavailability. This SIL auto shop is highly recommended. 👍

Mark Lorenzana May 5, 2025

I want to thank the team at Sil's Auto Care Centre in Oakville for their outstanding service and customer care—especially Tommy and Susan, who have supported and looked after us over the past six years. I highly recommend their services.

Henrique Pérez-Matos May 5, 2025

We always receive excellent service from Susan, since 6 years we have been bringing our car to this company for maintenance , Susan and her team always asking and giving us the best advise we recommend them 100%.

MARIANA SALAS May 5, 2025
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