Brakes are one of the most important parts of your car, and they need to be kept in good condition in order to prevent an accident. However, brakes can also become dirty over time and this can lead to problems with braking performance. In this article, we’ll explore the cost of having your brakes flushed, and how often it’s worth doing this maintenance task.
The Cost of Flushing Brakes
The cost to flush your brakes can vary depending on the type of brake system you have. Maintenance companies generally charge by the job, so it’s important to know what needs to be done before you hire them. Here are some cost estimates for common brake systems:
Brake fluid (or DOT 3 or DOT 4) – $25 to $50
Brake pad replacement – $60 to $120 per pair
Brake bleeding – $75 to $150
Hose replacement – $10 to $20
Flush kit (toilet) – $35 to $75
What to Expect When Your Brakes are Flushed
If your car is having problems stopping on a wet surface, it may be time to have the brakes flushed. Brakes are typically flushed when they become clogged with mud, sand, or other debris. The process of flushing the brakes involves using a special cleaner and water. It can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 to have your brakes flushed, depending on the severity of the issue.
Types of Brake Flushes
When you need to have your brakes flushed, there are a few different types of flushes you can choose from. Each type has its own set of costs and benefits. Here’s a look at each type:
Brake Flush with Degreaser – This flush is most commonly used when your brakes are dirty and need to be cleaned. It uses a degreaser to clean the brake pads and caliper pistons. The cost of this flush is typically around $50.
Brake Flush with Anti-Freeze – This flush is used when your brakes are cold and have fluid on the rotors. The anti-freeze will break down the frost on the rotor, removing the brake dust and debris that can cause problems in the future. The cost of this flush is typically around $100.
Brake Flush with Cleaning Solution – This flush is used when your brakes need a deep cleaning but don’t need any repairs done to them. The cleaning solution will clean all of the gunk off of the components inside the brake system. This flush typically costs around $150.
How to Request a Brake Flush
If your car has disc brakes, you may be wondering how to request a brake flush. Your local mechanic can perform this service for a nominal fee, but you can also do it yourself. Here’s how:
1) Park your car in a safe location and turn the ignition off.
2) Remove the front wheel and tire.
3) Remove the brake caliper by loosening the two bolts that hold it on and pulling it off of the rotor.
4) Pour antifreeze or brake fluid into the clear plastic reservoir located above the rotor on each side of the car. Make sure to get as much of it into the reservoir as possible. Replace the caliper and tighten the bolts.
5) Position a bucket beneath each brake drum and pour enough fluid into it to cover the drum three-quarters of the way up. Wait five minutes, then lift one drum up out of the bucket and wait another five minutes before doing the same with the other drum.
6) Turn on your engine and drive your car about 10 miles (16 kilometers) to ensure that all of the fluid has been flushed out of your brakes.
Conclusion
I hope that this article on how much it costs to have your brakes flushed has given you a better understanding of the process and what to expect. Brake fluid can accumulate overtime, causing them to squeal and become less effective. By having them flushed, you can restore their original performance and prevent future problems. Costs for this service vary depending on the severity of the issue, but in general it should not be too expensive to get your brakes checked and flushed.