Brake fluid is something that you would probably not think twice about unless your car stopped working properly. But, like most things automotive, brake fluid needs to be flushed regularly to keep your brakes functioning properly.
What is a Brake Fluid Flush?
A brake fluid flush is a service that is performed on your vehicle’s braking system. This service cleans and lubricates the brake system, ensuring optimal performance. A brake fluid flush also helps to prevent brake pad wear and degradation.
If you are experiencing any decreased braking performance, it is important to have your brakes serviced and checked for debris, including brake fluid residue. A brake fluid flush can help to solve many common issues with your braking system, and should be scheduled at least every three years.
When Should You Perform a Brake Fluid Flush?
Brake fluid is a special type of hydraulic fluid that helps the brake system stop your car. Over time, brake fluid can become contaminated with bacteria and other contaminants. When this happens, the brake system can stop working properly. In order to prevent this from happening, you should flushes your brake system every time you replace your brake pads or rotors.
Here are four tips for when you should perform a brake fluid flush:
1. Whenever your brakes feel spongy or mushy.
2. If you notice any fluid leaking from your brakes.
3. If your brakes start making noise or feel clunky when you apply pressure to them.
4. If your mechanic has recommended a brake fluid flush as part of your car maintenance schedule.
Benefits of a Brake Fluid Flush
A brake fluid flush is one of the most effective ways to keep your brakes in top condition. Here are four benefits of flushing your brakes:
1. It helps keep your brakes responsive and efficient. Brake fluid gets old and thick over time, which can make your brakes feel stiff and difficult to use. A brake fluid flush can help restore some of the responsiveness and performance that you may have lost over time.
2. It can prevent brake problems from occurring in the first place. If there is a problem with your brakes, a brake fluid flush can help identify and fix it before it becomes a larger issue.
3. It can improve the lifespan of your brakes by cleaning out any debris or contamination that may be present. Old brake fluid can build up over time, leading to reduced braking performance and even potential wear and tear on your braking system. A brake fluid flush can help clean out all of the debris and improve the lifespan of your brakes.
4. It’s a simple maintenance procedure that you can do yourself – no special tools required! Brake fluid flushes are typically pretty easy to do yourself – just remove the bolts that hold on your calipers.
How to Perform a Brake Fluid Flush
If your brake system is flaky and you’re not sure what’s wrong, a brake fluid flush may be the solution. Here’s how to do it:
Remove the wheel and parking brake assembly.
Loosen the lug nuts on each wheel.
Remove the hubcap if necessary.
Remove the brake caliper by pushing down on the piston and pulling off the rotor. (Be careful not to damage the seals!)
If you have a convertible, remove both front seats. You’ll need access to the brake fluid reservoir.
Now you can start to clean up your brakes! Fill a bucket with warm water and add one cup of brake cleaner. Swish the water around and then pour it into the calipers. Pump the lever several times until all of the cleaner has been expelled from the calipers. Pour a little more water into each caliper, add additional brake cleaner, and pump again until all of the cleaner has been expelled. Repeat this process until all of the cleaner has been used up.
Allow everything to dry for at least 24 hours before reinstalling your wheel, hubcap, and parking brake assembly.