When you’re driving, one of the most important things you need to do is keep your car under control. You have to be careful when you’re turning and stopping, and you need to be aware of the traffic around you. One common problem is when drivers forget to fling the brake fluid when they need to.
What is Brake Fluid and What Does It Do?
Brake fluid is a liquid that is used to stop the movement of your car. When you apply the brakes, the brake fluid helps to create friction between the pads and the disks in your car’s brake system. Brake fluid also helps to prevent dust and debris from building up on your braking system.
Why Should You Flush the Brake Fluid?
If you have a car, there’s a good chance you’ve heard the phrase “flush the brake fluid.” But what does it mean, and why should you do it? Brake fluid is a type of fluid that helps to stop your car. When the brakes are applied, the brake pads push against the brake rotors. The brake fluid helps to stop the rotor from overheating. Overheating can cause the rotor to suddenly slip, which can lead to a loss of braking ability. Flushing your brake fluid every 3-5 years can help to prevent this from happening.
How to Flush the Brake Fluid
Do you need to flush the brake fluid?
Brake fluid is a consumable and needs to be flushed every 3 to 6 months, depending on the usage. Brake fluid can become contaminated with particles that can cause a loss of braking effectiveness. Flushing the brake fluid will remove any contaminants and restore the fluid’s effectiveness.
When Should You Flush the Brake Fluid?
brake fluid is a mixture of hydraulic oil and water. Over time, the hydraulic oil and water can mix, creating a corrosive environment that can damage the brake system.
To prevent this, you should flush the brake fluid every 3 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. To flush the brake fluid:
1) Park the car in a safe location.
2) Shut off the engine and release any parking brake.
3) Remove the front wheels.
4) Open the hood and remove the air intake cover.
5) Remove the reservoir cap and allow the brake fluid to flow out of the system.
6) Replace the reservoir cap and start the engine. The brake fluid should back up into the system within a few seconds.
7) Close the hood and remove the front wheels.
Conclusion
So you’ve just replaced your brake pads and you’re wondering if you need to flush the brake fluid. The answer, as with most things car-related, is a little bit depends. Brake fluid is designed to stop the pad from sticking to the rotor so it can slow or stop the vehicle. Over time, brake fluid will oxidize (turn brown) and this will make it less effective at doing its job. So while it’s generally not a bad idea to flush the system every time you replace the pads, there’s no need to do it every time you change the fluid – usually only when something has gone wrong (like when there are visible signs of corrosion). If in doubt, just call your mechanic!