If you’re like most drivers, you probably cringe at the thought of flushing your car’s brake fluid. But don’t worry, it’s not as bad as it seems. In this article, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of flushing your brake fluid, and help you determine when it’s time to do so.
What is brake fluid and what are its uses?
Brake fluid is a fluid used to control and stop a vehicle. It is composed of water, glycerin, and antifreeze. Brake fluid helps to create a cushion between the brake pads and the rotor, which allows the brakes to stop the car quickly. The main uses for brake fluid are to stop the car on an emergency stop, in wet weather conditions, or when the brakes have been applied hard (i.e. during a panic stop).
How to determine when your brake fluid needs to be flushed
If you’re having brake problems, chances are your fluid level is low. Check the fluid level every month and flush it when it falls below the “Low” or “Missing” line on your dipstick. Here’s how to determine when your brakes need a flush:
1. Park your vehicle in a level, safe location.
2. Shut off the ignition and remove the key from the ignition.
3. Open the hood and locate and remove the dipstick (the black, cylindrical object with a white stripe down its length).
4. Carefully insert the dipstick into the brake fluid reservoir until it bottoms out (you may have to wiggle it around a bit). Leave about 1-inch of dipstick sticking out of the reservoir.
5. Compare the reading on the dipstick to the table below and note what line on the table corresponds to your fluid level (in ounces/gallons):
If your fluid is below “Low” or “Missing,” you should flush your brakes according to manufacturer’s instructions. If your fluid is between “Low” and “High,” continue flushing as needed
What to do if your brake fluid is low
If your brake fluid is low, you should flush your Silverado’s brake system. Here’s how to do it:
1. Park your Silverado in a safe location.
2. Stop the engine.
3. Open the hood and locate the brake fluid reservoir. It’s usually located on the left-hand side of the engine compartment or under the car.
4. Remove the cap from the reservoir and pour in enough brake fluid to cover the bottom of the bottle. Don’t overfill it!
5. Replace the cap and close the hood.
6. Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes to allow the fluid to circulate through the system.
7. Drive your Silverado back to normal use, following any warning signs that may appear (like a low braking feel).
How often should your brake fluid be flushed?
Brake fluid is a consumable item and should be flushed every 7,500 miles or every 3 months, whichever comes first. Flushing the brake fluid will remove any contaminates and keep your brakes working at their best.
Pros and Cons of flushing your brakes
If your brake pads are looking a little dusty and there is no visible fluid on the rotor, it’s time to flush your brakes.
There are pros and cons to flushing your brakes, so it’s important to weigh the risks and benefits before doing anything. Here are the key factors to consider:
PROS: Flushing your brakes will clean out all the dirt and dust that has built up over time, which will improve braking performance.
Flushing your brakes will clean out all the dirt and dust that has built up over time, which will improve braking performance. CONS: Flushing your brakes can also cause damage if the wrong fluid is used or if the system is not properly flushed. It’s important to use the correct brake fluid for your vehicle and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
So, should you flush your brakes? The answer depends on your specific situation. If your brake pads look dusty and there is no visible fluid on the rotor, it’s probably time to flush them. However, be sure to weigh the risks and benefits before doing anything – flushing your brakes can be risky if done incorrectly.