Brake fluid flush is a regular maintenance task that should be done to your car at least once a year. Here’s how you do it and when you should schedule it.
What is brake flush?
Brake flush is a preventive maintenance procedure that flushed the brake system of your car with fresh brake fluid. Brake flush is typically recommended every 6 to 12 months, or when the brakes start making unusual noises or feel spongy.
How much brake fluid should I flush my car?
The amount of brake fluid you need to flush your car depends on the make and model of your car and the type of brakes you have. Generally, you will need enough fluid to cover the brake pads in the master cylinder. For most cars, 3/4 to 1 gallon of brake fluid will do the job. Make sure to read the owner’s manual for your car for specific instructions on how much brake fluid to flush.
Benefits of brake flush
Don’t let your brake pads become over-clogged and ineffective- brake flush is a great way to keep your brakes in top shape. Here are some of the benefits of brake flush:
1) It Keeps Your Pads Clean: Over time, brake dust and other contaminants can build up on your brake pads, leading to decreased performance and increased chances of brake malfunction. By flushing your brakes regularily, you can keep your pads clean and in good working order.
2) It Improves Brake Response: Over time, brake fluid can become contaminated with oils and residues from the car’s engine. This can cause your brake system to behave erratically or even stop working altogether. By flushing your brakes regularly, you can help to restore balance and optimize performance.
3) It Reduces Waste: If you don’t clean your brakes regularly, you’ll end up throwing away valuable resources. By flushing your brakes regularly, you can reduce the amount of waste that accumulates over time and ultimately reduces environmental impact.
How to do a brake flush
Brake flush is one of the most important maintenance tasks for your car. It can help keep your brakes working properly and save you from expensive repairs in the future. Here’s how to do a brake flush:
1. Locate the brake fluid reservoir on your car. It will usually be located behind the wheel, or under the hood.
2. Remove the cap on the reservoir. Be careful not to spill any fluid!
3. Pour about 1/2 cup of brake fluid into a plastic container, such as a milk jug or coffee mug. Give the container a good shake to mix the fluid well.
4. Position the container over the brake fluid reservoir opening and squeeze the container until some of the fluid comes out into the reservoir. Be sure to hold down on the reservoir cap while doing this!
5. Replace the reservoir cap and wait about five minutes for any sediment to settle to the bottom of the reservoir. If there is no sediment, repeat steps 3-5 until there is sediment present.
6. To check for leaks, hold down either brake pedal and push and pull on each wheel in turn (brakes should feel firm). If there are any leaks, you will see
What items need to be flushed
One of the more common brake system service tasks is flushing the fluid. This is done to remove any residues that may have built up over time, which could affect braking performance.
The following items typically need to be flushed:
-Brake fluid
-Anti-lock brakes (ABS) fluid
-Power steering fluid
-Clutch fluid
Some vehicles also require the fluids in the cooling system to be flushed as well. To determine if this is necessary, please consult your owner’s manual.
What to do if there is an issue with the flush
If you have an issue with the brake fluid flush, there are a few things you can try.
First, make sure that the reservoir is full of brake fluid – if it’s not, add more until the reservoir is at the desired level. Pump the brake pedal several times to distribute the fluid evenly throughout the system.
If that doesn’t work, you can try a plunger – place it over the valve on the reservoir and push and pull the plunger up and down. This should force some of the old fluid out of the lines and into the drain pan.