Former Wheeler Dealers presenter Edd China has warned motorists could “lose” their brakes altogether by making a simple error when fixing their vehicle. 

The ex-host of the classic car restoration series previously admitted making one mistake when attempting to fix the key part could backfire. 

Spongy brakes feel soft and mushy when pressed, and they are a major safety issue that road users must address immediately. 

According to Edd, soft brakes are usually a sign that fluid could be leaking from the hydraulic braking system.

This could signify a fault with the master cylinder which could be covered in fluid when inspected.  

When motorists press down on the brake pedal, two pistons inside the master cylinder put pressure on the fluid that enters the brake circuit. 

Air is more compressible than hydraulic fluid meaning the brakes can become less effective in no time at all.

Edd stressed a simple way to get a car to work as intended will be to replace the master cylinder and bleed the hydraulic system of any leftover air.

The TV star warned that although replacing the master cylinder is a simple job, making a small error could backfire with motorists at risk of doing permanent damage. 

Speaking on the show, Edd said: “Replacing the master cylinder is an easy bolt-off, bolt-on job. But only tackle it yourself if you’re confident you can bleed the system afterwards. It looks easy but get it wrong and you’re likely to lose the brakes altogether. 

“The system is full of air, it needs to be bled… Quite simply I’ll be forcing any air bubbles in the fluid out of the system via the bleed nipple. As I push the pedal the air is expelled. Once the system is purged of the air the pedal firms up.

“Doing this whole job yourself could save £200 in garage fees.”

Edd explained the simple issue while fixing a classic Jensen Intercepter on the show almost 15 years ago. 

The restoration was the first of season seven which aired back in May 2010. 

After diagnosing the issue. Edd managed to fund a new master cylinder in 24 hours. 

The historic model was purchased by Wheeler Dealers star Mike Brewer for £5,000 and was later sold for £6,500. 

However, the model has since been passed on again with one collector paying £22,000 for the vehicle.