Brake fluid is a necessary part of your car’s braking system, and it’s important to keep it clean and free of contaminants in order to work at its best. Here are four things to know about brake fluid flush procedures.
What is brake fluid flush?
Brake fluid flush is a procedure that is used to clean and lubricate the braking system on cars and trucks. Brake fluid flush is also done when there is a problem with the braking system, such as a sticking or broken brake pad. This procedure is usually done when the car or truck has 50,000 or 100,000 miles on it.
When should you flush brake fluid?
There is no universal answer to this question since it depends on your car, driving habits, and brake system. However, generally speaking, you should flush your brake system every 6 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Here are a few reasons why:
– Brake fluid can become contaminated with mineral deposits over time. These deposits can cause your brakes to stop working properly or even make them shudder when you apply the brakes. Flushing the system regularly can help dislodge these buildups and keep your brakes performing at their best.
– Brake fluid can also become aerated over time. This means that the air has been allowed into the fluid, which can lead to reduced braking performance and possibly even a failure. Flushing the system regularly helps to remove any air bubbles and restore optimal braking performance.
How to do a brake fluid flush
If you’re like most drivers, your brakes probably feel good when they’re freshly serviced. But what if the fluid’s been sitting in the system too long? Flushing the brake system with fresh brake fluid can revitalize it and make them work better. Here’s how to do it:
1. Park the car on a level surface with the parking brake engaged.
2. Disable the four front wheels by depressing the emergency brake pedal fully.
3. Open the hood and locate and remove the MASTER CYLINDER cap.
4. Disconnect and remove the brake hose from the master cylinder reservoir (see illustration).
5. Remove any debris or chunks of rust from the inside of the reservoir using a brass brush or a dowel rod inserted into the spout hole at one end and then shoved through to the other end. Fit a funnel over the spout hole and pour in enough brake fluid to fill it half-way up, being careful not to spill any on the ground. Replace THE MASTER CYLINDER cap and tighten its bolts securely.
6. Reconnect and reattach the brake hose to the master cylinder reservoir (see illustration).
Effects of a brake fluid flush
Brake fluid is a critical component of your car’s braking system and should be regularly flushed to keep it working at its best. Here are some effects of a brake fluid flush, according to experts:
A brake fluid flush can improve braking performance by removing old residues and contaminates that can build up over time and cause the brake pads to wear prematurely. In addition, a brake fluid flush may also free up air bubbles that can cause your brakes to squeal or make a grinding noise. Finally, a brake fluid flush can help to restore the pad’s original adhesive qualities, which can reduce the likelihood of pad wear and replacement.
Conclusion
I often get asked about brake fluid flush and whether or not it feels good. In short, the answer is yes, it does feel good! Brake fluid flush is a maintenance procedure that helps to keep your brakes functioning properly. By flushing out old brake fluid, you can reduce the chance of having to replace your brakes in the future. However, if you are uncomfortable with the idea of having anything done to your car, then by all means don’t do it – there are plenty of other ways to keep your car running smoothly without having to go through with a brake fluid flush.