One of the most common car maintenance tasks is to flush your brake fluid. But is it really necessary? In this article, we’ll answer that question and more, including what brake fluid is and why you should flush it.
What is Brake Fluid?
Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid used in your car to help you stop. It’s usually a red or clear liquid that is stored in the brake system.
If you don’t flush your brake fluid every 3 years, your brakes may not work properly and you could end up getting a ticket or even getting into an accident. Here’s how to flush your brake system:
1) Park your car in a safe place
2) Turn off the engine and remove the key from the ignition
3) Open the hood of your car and locate the rubber hoses that go from the brake master cylinder to each wheel (you may have more than one)
4) Remove the cap on the master cylinder and pour about 2 quarts of fresh brake fluid into the reservoir
5) Close the cap on the master cylinder and replace the rubber hose fitting
6) Reinstall the key in the ignition and turn on the engine
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What is Brake Fluid?
Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid used in your car to help you stop. It’s usually a red or clear liquid that is stored in the brake system.
When Should I Flush My Brake Fluid?
If you have a car with brake pads that need to be replaced, it is important to flush the brake fluid before doing so. Brake fluid is a mixture of natural and synthetic fluids. The natural fluid helps to dissipate heat from the brakes, while the synthetic fluid helps to provide a smooth pedal feel. When brake pads are replaced, some of the old adhesive may still be left on the metal pad. This adhesive can cause sticking and drag when the brakes are applied. To prevent this, it is important to flush the brake fluid before replacing the pads.
How to Test If My Brake Fluid Needs to Be Flushed
If you’ve ever driven a car with a bad brake pedal, you know that the brake fluid can get really sticky. And if the brakes don’t work well, it’s not just a nuisance-it can be dangerous. When your brakes don’t work well, the car may stop suddenly or pull to one side. Bad brakes can also lead to accidents.
To make sure your brakes are working properly, it’s important to flush the system every few years and check the fluid level periodically. Here’s how to do both:
1. Park the car in a safe place and turn off the engine.
2. Remove the wheel and Jack up the car so that you have access to all of the brake pads (the rotors should still be attached).
3. Use a lever or a crescent wrench to remove the cap on the master cylinder Housing (A). This is usually located on top of the piston (B), just above where the brake fluid comes out (C). The master cylinder houses two pistons which push and pull on the brake pads (D). Make sure you keep track of which piston corresponds to which pad!
What to Do If My Brake Fluid Is Flushed and It Doesn’t Work
If your brake fluid is flushed and it still doesn’t work, it could be because one or more of the following are true:
– The brake pads or shoes are worn out
– There is a clog in the system
– The brake lines have been cut
– The master cylinder has been replaced
Conclusion
If your brakes feel really squeaky, it might be time to flush your brake fluid. Brake fluid is a petroleum-based product and over time, the oil and grease can build up and cause the brake pads to wear out more quickly. By flushing your brake fluid, you’ll likely improve braking performance as well as extend the life of your brake pads.