A soft brake is generally caused by what issue?

A soft brake pedal feel is most commonly attributed to air in the brake lines. When air enters the hydraulic brake system, it compresses more easily than the brake fluid, leading to a spongy or soft pedal. This condition can prevent the brakes from applying sufficient pressure to the braking components, resulting in decreased braking performance and potentially dangerous driving conditions.

Bleeding the brake lines to remove the trapped air bubbles is essential to restore proper brake function and ensure the brake pedal feels firm when depressed. While worn brake pads, low brake fluid levels, and an overheated braking system can cause various braking issues, they typically do not result in a soft pedal sensation as directly as air in the lines does.