Think you're having an issue with your brakes and don't know how serious it is? These tips will help you troubleshoot the problem based on how the brake pedal is behaving. 

Hard Brake Pedal

Is your brake pedal suddenly much harder to press down on? This is likely a problem with the vacuum booster or a restriction in the line that connects the engine to the vacuum booster. The vacuum booster works by containing a diaphragm that sucks the air out when you press down on the brake pedal. It allows you to easily push down on the pedal and release the brake fluid that goes to your brake calipers. If this part is broken and not sucking the air out of the diaphragm, you'll notice that the pedal is much harder to press down on, which will reduce your reaction time when braking.

To verify that the vacuum booster is not working right, try pumping the brakes with the engine off. This will give you a good baseline of how the pedal works when the vacuum booster is not working. Then turn your vehicle on and pump the brakes in the same manner. If the pedal is easier to press down on, then you know the vacuum booster is working. If it feels the same, then it's a clear indication that the vacuum booster is the problem. 

Investigate the problem further by looking at that line that connects the vacuum booster to the engine. Is it clearly damaged? Take your vehicle to a mechanic and have the part replaced.

Soft Brake Pedal

If your brake pedal is acting in the opposite manner, it will feel very spongy and easy to press down on. This is a problem that can be caused by several reasons. Start by checking your brake fluid, since not having enough fluid is going to cause air to flow through the system and not create that soft pedal feeling. 

There may also be a problem with the brake lines having a leak and the fluid escaping the system. If you refill your brake fluid, look for a puddle of fluid underneath your vehicle with a yellow tint to it. This is brake fluid, and if it's escaping the system that quickly there is a clear leak that needs to be fixed. 

These are just a couple of problems you may have with your vehicle's brake system. Take your vehicle to a local mechanic who offers brake services to help diagnose and repair any issue you are experiencing.