...When you lift the hood. The master brake cylinder is on the firewall(that is the metal between you and the engine compartment)on the driver's side. It is bolted on. Usually they have a brass colored cap and that cap is held in place with a spring clip that just flips off. Nearby usually there is a canister (like a plastic soup can) fastened to the firewall and it has a hose that connects to the master cylinder. The canister says DOT3 or Brake Fluid only. Which means what it says. The canister hopefully in your case is clear plastic and you can see the level of the water like liquid in it. This is what you keep full.
. Now addressing your brakes. If you stay parked and engine running. Press on them once and it goes to the floor. What if you pressed on the brake pedal a few times in rapid succession? (pumping them) does the pedal come up higher? If it does, then the master cylinder is worn out and needs replacement by a mechanic. If it does not pump up and you continue to lose fluid then one wheel cylinder is shot or the back brakes need adjusting or replacing. Let a mechanic look. Right now you are ripe for the first train, semi truck, bus, commercial vehicle or other large vehicle to plow into you, (or roadside tree or hillside) killing you because you could not stop. You will be charged for driving an unsafe vehicle.
First off.. the brake fluid is probably low.. top it off and re check.. secondly, if its leaking, it could be a hose, or maybe even the master cylinder, which if its leaking in to the booser then you'll have a 600-800 dollar repair
Well, Samantha, realize that all brake fluids in ALL cars are WATER ATTRACTING fluids! this means that over time it turns into a WATER LOGGED goo or toxic waste that loses it's protective boiling point, and eventually turns into LIQUID SANDPAPER! The ANSWER for you is to go to the DEALERSHIP and for about $100, they will POWER BLEED your brake system! su9ng FRESH FLUID! Your old ruined water logged fluid is NOW getting past the brake sales int he master and you will have sediment throughout your brake system! ONLY A POWER BLEED will remove this JUNK and restore working conditions to your system! USE ONLY FLUID FROM YOUR DEALERSHIP and not auto store generic JUNK fluids!
Are your breaks squeaking when you use them? If you have the windows rolled up and the radio on you might not be able to hear it.
If you feel safe driving your car again, take it out and see if the breaks make a high pitched noise. This would be an indicator of the break pads needing replaced (most shops can replace them).
Did you check for fluids leaking from your brakes??? Check your brake fluid levels. Spots of oily fluids underneath your car?
master cylinder is probably failing or you have a leak. checking the fluid is good but if its low its leaking
Check or have checked your brake fluid level.
I know close to nothing about cars and this is my first car so I am clueless. I get everything checked regularly and it's in pretty decent shape for an old car. However, today out of nowhere on my way home from work my brakes started feeling....off? The only way I can describe it is they feel "loose" I have to step on it all the way to the floor to get my car to come a complete stop and then it doesn't feel right. I'm glad I made it home I was very scared. Is this going to be a major fix?
