Brake fluid is an important part of your car’s braking system and it’s important to keep it properly maintained. Here are four signs that you need to flush your brake fluid and how to do it:
1. You’re having trouble stopping your car in a hurry
2. Your brakes feel spongy or weak
3. Your car rolls when you apply the brakes
4. Your brake lights stay on after you’ve applied the brakes
In this article, we’ll explain each of those signs and what causes them. We’ll also tell you when to flush your brake fluid and how often to do it.
The Signs that Brake Fluid Needs to Be Flushed
When does brake fluid need to be flushed? There are a few telltale signs that brake fluid needs to be flushed. If your brakes are grinding or making an unusual noise, it may be time to flush the system. Another sign that you need to flush the system is if the level in the reservoir is low. Brake fluid levels should be checked at least once a month and should be replenished as needed.
How to Flush Brake Fluid
If you’re like most drivers, you probably think your brake fluid is just fine. But in fact, your brake fluid may not be up to the task if it’s been sitting in the system for a while. Brake fluid needs to be flushed regularly to maintain performance and prevent corrosion. Here’s how you do it:
1. Park your car in a safe location.
2. Turn off the ignition, remove the key, and open the door.
3. Put on gloves and take off the wheel.
4. Remove the brake caliper (if applicable).
5. Disconnect the hose from the master cylinder and loosen the fittings at both ends of the hose.
6. Loosen the clamp on the end of the hose connected to the master cylinder and pour about a quart of brake fluid into the hose until it reaches the clamp; don’t let any fluid spill out onto the ground or into your car!
7. Reattach both ends of the hose to their respective fittings on the master cylinder and tighten them using a wrench (or pliers).
8. Replace any components that you removed in step 3, such as the caliper,
The Different Types of Brake Fluid
When you’re driving your car, it’s important to keep your brake system in good working order. Your braking system uses brake fluid to stop the car. Brake fluid is a type of fluid that’s used in a lot of different systems, and it needs to be flushed regularly to keep them operating properly. Here are the four different types of brake fluid, and when you should flush each one:
1. Anti-Lock Brake Fluid (ABS) – ABS brake fluid needs to be flushed every 3 months or 3000 miles, whichever comes first.
2. Brake Fluid Leaks – If you notice any fluid leaks from your brakes, you should flush the system as soon as possible. This includes both master cylinder and calipers.
3. EBC (Ethanol-BASED) Brake Fluid – EBC brake fluid needs to be flushed every 6 months or 6000 miles, whichever comes first.
4. DOT 3 (Diesel-OIL BASED) Brake Fluid – DOT 3 brake fluid needs to be flushed every 3 years or 36000 miles, whichever comes first.
When to Replace Brake Fluid
If your brakes are making a weird grinding or squealing noise, it may be time to replace the brake fluid. Brake fluid lasts anywhere from 6,000 to 12,000 miles, so it’s important to keep it at the correct level. If your brakes don’t seem to be working as well as they used to, it might be time to flush the system and refill with fresh brake fluid.
Conclusion
If you own a car, then you are probably well aware of the importance of regularly flushing your brake fluid. Brake fluid is designed to help your brakes stop properly, and if it doesn’t get flushed regularly the chances are high that your brakes will start to function poorly. Flushing your brake fluid isn’t difficult or expensive, and it can save you a lot of trouble down the road. Make sure to do it every 3 months or so and you should be just fine!