VW Virtus Brake Pedal Issues: Fluid Leak Warning Signs

Having some experience with brake systems, I faced a very similar issue with my VW Polo (2020, gasoline) last year. The spongy brake pedal and increased pressure requirements are common symptoms that shouldnt be ignored. The low brake fluid level you mentioned often indicates wear in the brake system. In my case, the workshop inspection revealed worn brake pads and needed a thorough fluid replacement. The entire hydraulic brakes system required attention, including cleaning and adjusting the brake lines. The total repair cost was 480€, which included: Complete brake fluid replacement, New brake pads, System inspection, Brake line cleaning Before suggesting specific solutions, could you share: Current mileage on your Virtus, When was the last brake service performed, Are you hearing any unusual sounds when braking, Does the brake pedal feel different when the engine is off These symptoms often point to air in the brake lines or worn components, but its important to get a professional inspection soon, as brake issues can become serious safety concerns if left unaddressed.

Thank you for sharing those details. My Virtus has 112770km and last service was performed at 105000km. To address the additional questions: No unusual sounds during braking, but the brake pedal does feel softer when the engine is off compared to normal operation. The warning light hasnt illuminated yet, which gives some reassurance. Based on your experience, the brake fluid replacement cost seems reasonable. Considering my mileage, a complete brake system inspection makes sense even if it turns out to be just a fluid issue. Would you recommend getting the brake lines checked as well during the inspection? The brake pedal response seems most concerning early in the morning.

Thanks for those additional details. Since handling the same issue with my Polo, I learned the morning brake pedal response variation can be quite telling. Your symptoms strongly match what I experienced, especially the softer pedal feel when the engine is off. Given your mileage and the time since the last service, definitely get those brake lines checked. In my case, the morning brake pedal issues were linked to minor air pockets in the hydraulic brakes system, which became more noticeable in cooler temperatures. The brake inspection should absolutely include a thorough check of the lines. When my brake fluid was low, it turned out there was a small leak in one of the brake lines that wasnt immediately visible. The mechanic found it only during a comprehensive brake system inspection. Quick tip from my experience: While scheduling the service, request a pressure test of the entire brake system. This helped identify the exact issue in my case and might save you money in the long run by catching any potential problems early. The fact your brake warning light hasnt come on is good, but with these symptoms and your mileage, a full system check would be wise. My repair started with similar symptoms and catching it early prevented more extensive damage to the hydraulic system.

Based on all the information, Ill book a comprehensive brake inspection soon. Your experience with similar symptoms definitely helps put things in perspective, especially regarding the morning brake pedal behavior and its connection to the brake lines. The full service quote I received matches the costs you mentioned, around 450€ for complete brake fluid replacement, system inspection, and brake line testing. Given my cars mileage and the importance of reliable brakes, this seems like a sensible investment. Planning to schedule the inspection next week and will make sure to request the pressure test for the entire brake system as suggested. Really helpful to know about the potential air pockets in the hydraulic brakes system and their effects in cooler temperatures, explains the morning issues perfectly. Thanks for sharing your repair experience. It has helped clarify what to expect during the brake inspection and confirmed my suspicions about needing a thorough check of the brake lines rather than just a simple fluid top-up.