When it comes to vehicle maintenance, there are various factors that you need to consider. One of the most ignored ones is brake fluids. It may not be the primary concern of drivers but it is one of the main aspects which can impact the overall performance and safety of your car.
In this blog post, we will discuss when you should change your brake fluid and why it is an essential part of regular maintenance for any vehicle.
What is Brake Fluid?
Brake fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid that is responsible for transferring the pressure from the brake pedal to the braking system. Which allows your car to stop and slow down when you press the pedal.
Usually, brake fluid contains glycol-based ether or silicone-based fluids. Besides, it has a high boiling point to be able to withstand the whole heat produced by the friction between the braking components of your vehicle.
There are different types of brake fluids available, including DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5. Every type of fluid has its specific features and is recommended to use the one depending on your vehicle’s make year and model. It is essential to use the correct type of brake fluid for your car for optimal performance and safety.
When should you replace the brake fluid?
Brake fluid replacement is essential to ensure efficient and smooth braking of your vehicle. Though not all drivers consider changing it on a regular basis, it should be checked and changed when required according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The average period for changing brake fluid rates is two or fewer years or up to 30,000 miles whichever comes first.
However, the frequency can differ taking into consideration various factors and one of the major ones is the way of driving and the car’s status and make year. As such, a driver may have used their vehicle for less than a year but discover that they need to change the brake fluid since they drove heavily and mainly, for instance, in heavy traffic or in hilly regions.
Other factors associated with brake fluid replacement are the speed and brake usage. Apart from the rate, there are some other signs informing a driver to change their brake fluid. Less effective braking, a spongy brake pedal, and dirty and dark heterogeneous liquid are signals that a car driver should change the fluid.
How to Replace Brake Fluid?
Here the quick step-by-step instructions to efficiently replace the brake fluid of your vehicle:
Gather the necessary tools and materials: Before starting the procedure gather all the necessary equipment and materials such as a turkey baster or syringe, new brake fluid, and a clean cloth.
Locate the brake fluid reservoir: Locate the brake fluid reservoir, although generally it is located near the firewall on the driver’s side. It comes with a small plastic cap which is labeled as “brake fluid”.
Clean the top of the reservoir: With the help of a clean cloth wipe off any dirt and debris around the cap so it doesn’t impact the new bark fluid.
Remove the old brake fluid: Use a turkey baster or syringe to remove the old brake fluid from the reservoir. And make sure to be extra careful so that you do not spill any oil on your vehicle’s paint as it can damage it.
Refill with new brake fluid: Now that you have removed the old brake oil slowly pour the new brake fluid until it reaches to the “full” mark.
Bleed the brakes: This particular step is one of the most important ones as it helps in removing any air bubbles from the braking system of our vehicle. Refer to your vehicle’s manual for instructions on how to bleed the brakes properly.
Check for leaks: After bleeding the brakes, look out for any kind of leakage in your braking system. If you notice any leaks, it is best to take your car to a professional mechanic.
Secure the cap: Make sure to double-check the process and ensure that the cap is tightly secured so that no contamination enters the reservoir.
Why Does the Brake Fluid Need to Be Changed?
Now that you know when and how to replace the brake fuel, it is important to know why it should be changed at a certain point. So, the brake fluid should be changed regularly as it can become contaminated because of the moisture and residuals from the braking system.
And this contamination can lead to a decrease in the boiling points, which might lead to a brake failure. Another reason is the fact that the old fuel corrodes the brakes making them deteriorate. Therefore, changing the brake fluid regularly can help to prevent breakdowns of the braking system and unnecessary waste of money.
What happens if the brake fluid is not changed?
Now that you know when and how to replace the brake fuel, it is important to know why it should be changed at a certain point. So, the brake fluid should be changed regularly as it can become contaminated because of the moisture and residuals from the braking system.
And this contamination can lead to a decrease in the boiling points, which might lead to a brake failure. Another reason is the fact that the old fuel corrodes the brakes making them deteriorate. Therefore, changing the brake fluid regularly can help to prevent breakdowns of the braking system and unnecessary waste of money.
What happens if the brake fluid is not changed?
If the brake fluid is not changed regularly, it can cause various issues with the braking system of your vehicle. First and foremost, this fluid can get contaminated, making its boiling point lower. As a result, the car owner can notice that the braking efficiency of the car has dropped.
Second, old fluid may promote corrosion, damage, and whatnot in the braking system, eventually leading to expensive repairs. Therefore, one should never forget to replace brake fluid if they do not want their life and the life of other passengers endangered.
How much does it cost to replace brake fluid?
The cost of replacing the brake fluid of your vehicle totally depends on the make year and model of your vehicle. On average, a brake fluid replacement can cost anywhere from $70 to $200. However, it is always recommended to consult with a professional mechanic for an accurate estimate for your specific car.
What type of brake fluid is best for my car?
As we all know there are several types of brake fluids. It is vital to choose the correct one since using an inappropriate fluid can put a severe brake on the performance and safety of your vehicle. The most secure way to determine the most appropriate type is to refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines or obtain the advice of a professional mechanic.
Some general recommendations can be suggested. Most modern vehicles are designed to operate with DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluids. Perhaps, vehicles manufactured in the 1960s and 1970s and some of the earlier trucks will best well with DOT 5 or other specialized non-hygroscopic fluids. However, it is necessary to point out again that the best option to choose the correct brake fluid type is to ask a skilled mechanic.
Can I just add brake fluid without flushing?
No, it is not recommended to just add brake fluid without flushing and replacing the old one. Adding the new liquid to the existing one is very unfavorable for the further performance and safety of your brakes.
Look for the manufacturer’s manual on how to properly flush the old fluid because the addition to the existing brake fluid will not guarantee the longevity of the brake system.
Conclusion:
In summary, replacing brake fluid cannot be ignored as it is an essential maintenance process to keep your vehicle in top shape. It will keep the vehicles functioning correctly and safely, as well as help to avoid any repairing work caused by the brake fluids in the future.
Thus, by understanding what brake fluid is, learning when and how it should be replaced, and recognizing why it needs to be exchanged continually, car owners will always keep their brakes in good condition. In addition, to get appropriate recommendations and perform the right procedure on how to change the brake fluid, owners have to get in touch with professional mechanics.
