Brakes are a vital part of your car, and they need to be properly flushed every time you get new brake pads or rotors. This guide will help you determine how often your brakes should be flushed, based on the make and model of your car.
What are brakes and how do they work?
Brake fluid is a type of fluid that helps to stop a car or truck. Brake fluid is usually red and has a strong, unpleasant odor. When the brake pedal is pressed, the brake fluid squirts from the brake drums and goes into the calipers. The calipers use the brake fluid to stop the wheels from moving.
When should you flush brake fluid?
When it is time to flush the brake system, it is important to consult your car’s owner’s manual. Many automakers recommend flushing the system every 7,500 miles or every three years, whichever comes first. Brake fluid is a consumable and should be replaced as needed.
How much fluid should you flush?
There is no set answer to this question as the amount of fluid that needs to be flushed will vary depending on the make and model of your brakes. However, generally speaking, you should flush your brakes every 3 to 6 months, or when the fluid becomes dirty or discolored.
What to do if you over flush your brakes
If you think you’ve over flushed your brakes, there are a few things to do to correct the issue. First, make sure the brake fluid reservoir is completely full before flushing. If it isn’t, add enough new fluid to bring the reservoir up to the proper level. Next, turn the key to “on” and let the engine idle for about 30 seconds. This will help loosen any debris built up in the system. Finally, pump the brakes several times while holding down the trigger until all fluid has been expelled from the system.
Conclusion
Flushing your brakes can help to prevent brake problems, but you need to flush them correctly in order to make the most of the flush. Here are a few tips to follow:
1. Make sure all fluid levels are correct before flushing your brakes. Check fluid levels, change fluids as needed, and add DOT 3 brake fluid when required.
2. Flush the brakes using fresh engine coolant—never use antifreeze or any other brake-fluid additives.
3. Remove all debris from around the calipers and pistons before flushing the brakes. This includes pieces of rubber, metal shavings, and anything else that could get stuck in the system during flushed