The Importance of Regular Brake Fluid Changes for Vehicle Safety
- Grease Gun Mobile
- Nov 4
- 3 min read
When it comes to vehicle maintenance many people tend to overlook their brake fluid; however, brake fluid is an important component of how well your vehicle will perform and remain safe for travel. In addition to maintaining your vehicles overall safety, regular changes of your brake fluid will also improve its performance. Now let’s discuss why you need to include this maintenance item on your to-do list.
Understanding Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid responsible for the transfer of force from the brake pedal to the braking components in your car. Brake fluid is necessary for a properly working braking system in your car. The brake fluid will absorb water over time, causing poor performance and possible failure of the brakes. Studies have shown that brake fluid absorbs as much as 2% of its volume in water in the first six months of use. Therefore, you should check your brake fluid regularly.
Signs You Need a Brake Fluid Change
Discoloration: When new brake fluid is used, it typically is either clear or light amber in color. However, when it begins to turn darker or cloudy, it is time to replace it.
Spongy Brake Pedal: If the brake pedal feels soft or spongy, then there could be contamination or low brake fluid in the system.
Brake Warning Light: If your dashboard’s brake warning light turns on, it signifies that your brake fluid levels need to be checked.
The consequences of these symptoms are serious and can directly impact your ability to brake effectively – and therefore increase your chances of being involved in an accident. A spongy brake pedal will cause you to travel farther before coming to a complete stop than normal, which could put you and your passengers at risk.
How Often Should You Change Brake Fluid?
Typically, most automobile manufacturers recommend that you change your brake fluid every 2 years or 24,000 miles. The frequency of brake fluid replacement may be different depending upon how often you use your car and under what driving conditions. For example, if you frequently drive through heavy traffic or inclement weather, it is possible that you would have to replace your brake fluid more frequently than recommended by the manufacturer. Urban drivers may have to change brake fluid as often as every 18 months as a result of all the stop-and-go traffic in which they participate. Always check your vehicle's owner manual for information regarding when and how often to replace brake fluid according to your specific vehicle.
The Benefits of Regular Brake Fluid Changes
Enhanced Safety: Using fresh brake fluid gives you quick responsive braking which will lower your chances of an accident. It has been documented in statistics that proper maintenance of your brakes can increase the reduction of stop distance by as much as thirty percent.
Improved Performance: With regular brake fluid changes it is easier for your vehicle to continue braking consistently and with better braking efficiency, you are less likely to have excessive brake wear on your vehicle that could lead to further problems and increase the life span of your vehicle.
Less Expensive Maintenance: Brake fluid replacement is an example of preventive maintenance that will keep you out of trouble with brake-related repair costs. In most cases, the price for replacing your brake fluid is less than the expense of repairing your vehicle after a brake system failure, which can run into thousands of dollars.
DIY vs. Professional Service
Although replacing brake fluid can be done on a DIY basis, in most cases, it would be best if performed by a professional. He has the right equipment and experience to complete this task properly. If you decide to perform the brake fluid replacement yourself, please follow all the recommended instructions, use all the required protective gear (gloves, safety glasses), etc., and dispose of the used brake fluid properly, since brake fluid contains dangerous chemicals.
Final Thoughts
In summary, changing your brake fluid is one of the simplest and most important things you will do for your car to maintain safe operation on the road. Keeping an eye out for the warning signs and staying consistent with a regular maintenance routine will help to keep your brakes at their best. Do not wait until it is too late – make brake fluid changes a high priority for your vehicle's overall well-being and for your own piece of mind.
If you follow the above steps, you will be able to help extend your vehicle's life while also providing yourself with a safer drive. A little preventative maintenance really does go a long way!
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