Brake fluid is a vital part of any car’s braking system, and it’s important to use the right amount when flushing your brakes. Too much fluid can cause your car to skid, while too little can leave your brakes susceptible to seizing up. In this article, we’ll show you how to flush your brakes without overdoing it.
What is a brake flush?
Brake flushes are a common procedure done on vehicles to remove build-up of brake dust and other debris on the braking system. A brake flush is performed by injecting a solvent or degreaser into the brake system, which loosens and removes the debris. The amount of fluid needed for a brake flush will vary depending on the make and model of your car. Generally, you will need to use between 1 and 2 gallons of fluid.
How often should a brake flush be performed?
When it comes to your car’s brakes, you want to make sure they are always working at their best. One way to do this is by having them flushed every time you have a brake service. However, how often should this flush be performed? There is no one answer to this question since it depends on a variety of factors, including the age and condition of your brakes. However, we can give you a general guideline. On average, you should have your brakes flushed every 2 years or 24,000 miles.
What are the benefits of a brake flush?
If you’re like most drivers, you probably don’t give your brakes much thought. But if your brakes aren’t working right, they can be a major inconvenience. A brake flush is a good way to keep your brakes in good condition and ensure that they work properly. Here are the benefits of a brake flush:
1. Keeps Your Brakes Working Properly: A brake flush helps to get rid of any built-up gunk and fluid on your brakes, which can cause them to stop working properly.
2. Prevents Brake System Damage: If your brakes aren’t working properly, you risk causing damage to your car’s braking system. A brake flush can help protect your car’s components from this kind of damage.
3. Improves Braking Performance: By cleaning and lubricating your brakes, a brake flush can improve their performance overall. This means that you’ll be able to stop your car more quickly and with less effort.
What are the risks of not performing a brake flush?
If you don’t flush your brakes regularly, you’re at risk of developing brake dust, which can lead to premature wear and tear on your braking system. Plus, a lack of brake fluid can also cause your brakes to stop working altogether.
How to perform a brake flush
If you’re like most drivers, you probably just flush your brakes with water when they start to make a weird noise. But is that really enough? According to the Brake Flush Safety Checklist from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a brake flush is only effective if the fluid’s temperature is below 50 degrees F (10 degrees C). That means you might be wasting your time and fluid if your brakes are making a weird noise and you don’t also perform a brake flush.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Park your car in a level spot.
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
3. Open both front driver’s side and passenger’s side doors.
4. Disconnect the battery cable if it’s connected to the car.
5. Remove any air bubbles from the brake lines using a plunger or an air compressor. Do not use rubber tubing because it will create more air bubbles in the system.
6. Fill a large bucket with cold water and add about 2 gallons of fluid for every 20,000 pounds of weight on your brakes, or about 1 gallon for every