Brake fluid can become an “out of sight, out of mind” vehicle component—we often do not think of it until something goes wrong. To keep you safe on the road, however, your brake fluid puts in a lot of effort every day.
Every two years or 30,000 miles, you will require a brake fluid flush. an auto owner who can routinely flush their brake fluid after changing a set of brake pads.
We will go into great detail about brake fluid in this article. We’ll go over how it works to stop your car and how frequently you should replace it. Along with outlining the consequences of your inaction, we’ll also list the signs that the fluid isn’t working properly.
What is Brake Fluid?
The rotor, caliper, and brake pads are the three main parts of the brake system. When you apply pressure to the brake pedal, the caliper receives the signal. It causes the two pads to tighten their grip on the brake disc or rotor that is fastened to the wheel, slowing the car’s forward motion.
However, doing without brake fluid is essentially impossible. Since the hydraulic brake system works by converting force into pressure, a liquid is needed. When you press the brake pedal, this fluid converts the force into pressure on the front and rear brakes, stopping your car either slowly or quickly.
Brake fluids are categorized by the Department of Transportation according to established criteria for chemical composition and boiling point. The two glycol-based types, DOT3 and DOT4, and the silicon-based DOT5 are the three main types. The first two absorb water, whereas the third does not. This is the main distinction.
The boiling point of the brake fluid must be understood because it eventually begins to heat up. The loss of the ability to transmit force and the subsequent partial or total failure of the brakes will result from the liquid boiling and turning to gas. This is because gases can be compressed, whereas liquids cannot. You must regularly replace the fluid because it needs to absorb water in order to function.
Read More: How Long Do Car Brakes Last
How Often Should I Change It?
20,000 miles or every two years, in general. As no two drivers are alike, certain factors do, however, affect frequency. If you have hard brakes, you should practice it more frequently, but vehicle age, how much you drive, and where you drive should also be taken into consideration.
Examining your brake fluid with a qualified mechanic is the best way to make sure it is in good condition. Although DIY tests are available, they are inaccurate and can only give you a general idea.
A host of problems could arise if the brake fluid is not changed, so keep in mind that it is necessary.
How to Flush and Change Brake Fluid
1. Empty the Master Cylinder Reservoir
The master cylinder reservoir’s current fluid must be completely drained before continuing. There are several methods for doing this, but it is simple to remove all the fluid from the reservoir while the car is off and in park and without applying any pressure to the brakes using a large syringe, turkey baster, small siphon pump, or transfer pump and tube.
2. Fill and Bleed
Add fresh fluid to the reservoir next. The procedure is identical to bleeding brakes from this point on. When all of the old fluid has been removed, the process is simple to see thanks to a small, 2-foot section of clear tubing that fits over the bleeder screw.
Just bleed out the two rear calipers/wheel cylinders beginning at the back of the vehicle. The rusty, brown fluid will disappear, and new, clear fluid will start to flow through the tube, indicating that all of the old fluid has been drained from the system.
Then, proceed to the fronts, making sure to double-check the master cylinder reservoir following the bleed of each wheel.
3. Top It Off
Once you’ve finished the last wheel, re-fill the reservoir all the way to the fill line.
Consequences of Not Changing the Fluid
If the brake fluid is not changed, the moisture it has absorbed will accumulate throughout the braking system. The boiling point of brake fluid decreases with increasing water content. Your brakes won’t function properly because it will overheat and cause the fluid to boil.
If the water is allowed to accumulate and stay inside the car, internal corrosion could harm the master cylinder, calipers, brake lines, and other parts. The cost of replacing those will be high, but changing the fluid only costs around $100.
Low Brake Fluid and Changing It
Your brake fluid may need to be topped off if you notice certain symptoms. Among those are:
- The brake or ABS warning light turns on, showing that there is something wrong with the braking system
- ABS activates in situations where it never did before
- You have to press on the brakes harder, or they feel spongy
- Feeling vibrations when you brake and hearing your brake pads squeal
- A burning smell appears after hard braking
Check the brake fluid visually if you don’t experience any of those. To do so, you must first unlock the brake fluid reservoir that is fastened to the master cylinder’s top. It ought to be clear with a tiny bit of an orange, blue, or green tint. If the liquid is cloudy or dark, continue with the adjustment.
Summary
If you want to keep your car in good shape and avoid problems later on, you must change your brake fluid regularly. We hope this article has given you a better understanding of why brake fluid should be changed, how often it should be changed, and any potential warning signs that indicate that should be done right away.
FAQs
Are Brake Fluid Flushes Necessary?
One of the most important aspects of a vehicle’s safety is its ability to stop. However, many customers may find themselves wondering, “Do you really need to flush your brake fluid?” Yes is the quick response. The hydraulic fluid in your braking system is what amplifies the pressure of your foot on the pedal.
What Happens If You Don’t Flush Brake Fluid?
If the brake fluid is not changed, the moisture it has absorbed will accumulate throughout the braking system. The boiling point of brake fluid decreases as the water content rises. Your brakes won’t function properly because it will overheat and cause the fluid to boil.
How Often Do I Need to Change My Brake Fluid?
Following the advice of your manufacturer is the best way to determine how frequently to change brake fluid. Some producers advise changing your brake fluid every two years. Others advise every three years or 45,000 miles.