Brake fluid is a crucial part of your car’s braking system, and it needs to be replaced regularly to ensure optimal performance. But how often should you have your brake fluid flushed?
What is Brake Fluid Flushing?
If you have a car with an automatic transmission, your brake fluid will be flushed every 2 years or 25,000 miles. If you have a car with a manual transmission, your brake fluid will be flushed every 3 years or 36,000 miles.
When Should Brake Fluid Flushing Be Done?
Brake fluid flushing should be done every 3 to 6 months, or when the brake pedal feels soft or spongy.
How Much Brake Fluid Should Be Flushed?
There is no one definitive answer to this question, as it depends on a number of factors specific to your car, including the make and model, and how often you drive it. However, generally speaking, you should have your brake fluid flushed every 5,000 miles or every year, whichever comes first.
What to Do If Your Brake Fluid Leaks
If you notice your brake fluid leaking, it’s important to take action to properly fix the problem. Flushing your brake system with brake fluid can help to prevent further malfunction and damage. Follow these steps to flush your brake system:
1. Remove the wheel and tire from the car. This will make it easier to access the brake line.
2. If you have a manual braking system, remove the calipers by unscrewing the bolts that hold them on. If you have a hydraulic braking system,remove the reservoir andhoses by unscrewing the bolts that hold them on.
3. Check for any obvious breaks in the brake line or hose near the wheel or calipers. If there are any breaks, replace the part as needed.
4. Pour in enough clean brake fluid to cover the entire length of the line and hose (approximately two cups). Make sure all of the air is removed from the container before pouring in the brake fluid.
5. Replace any broken parts, reattach wheel and tire, and re-tighten bolts if necessary.
6. Drive your car around slowly so that any remaining brake fluid can be absorbed into the lines and hoses
Conclusion
Now that you know how important it is to flush your brake fluid, it’s time to find out when is the best time to do so. According to the Brake Fluid flush Chart from Haynes, flushing your brake system every 3 thousand miles or every year should be sufficient. However, this isn’t always feasible, so always consult your car’s owner’s manual in order to get the most accurate information on when and how often your brake fluid should be flushed.