One of the most common maintenance tasks on a car is to do a brake fluid flush. But just how often should you do one, and what are the benefits? In this article, we’ll take a look at all of the factors involved and decide when it’s time for a brake fluid flush on your car.
How Often Should I Do a Brake Fluid Flush
Whenever your brakes seem to “squeak” or “feel spongy,” it’s a good idea to flush the fluid. Brake fluid is a petroleum-based product, so over time it can build up and cause problems. A brake fluid flush removes all the old gunk and allows the brakes to function at their best. Here are the steps for performing a brake fluid flush:
1) Remove the wheel and brake drum assembly. On some vehicles, you may need to remove the entire drivetrain in order to do this.
2) Make sure you have all of the required tools, including a drain pan and a hose.
3) Park your vehicle on a level surface with the parking brake engaged.
4) Add enough fresh brake fluid to the reservoir to cover the bottom of the drum. Do not overfill!
5) Close the bleed screw on top of the brake drums. Bleed until there is no more fluid coming out of either screw.
6) Hang the drum by its retaining bolts and lower it into the pan. Be careful not to scratch or dent it!
7) Remove the drum after it has settled in the pan for a
Types of Brake Fluid and When to Perform a Flush
It’s important to keep your brake system in good working order by regularly performing a brake fluid flush. There are three types of brake fluid, each with its own specific maintenance requirements: DOT 3, DOT 4, and EBC. Each type is best suited for a different type of braking system. Here’s a brief overview of each:
DOT 3 is the most common type of brake fluid and is used in systems that use disc brakes. To keep your DOT 3 brake system in good condition, you need to perform a brake fluid flush every 3 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first.
DOT 4 is used in systems that use drum brakes and is more resistant to corrosion. You should perform a brake fluid flush every 6 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
EBC is an advanced form of brake fluid and is used in hybrid and electric vehicles. You should never use EBC in a regular braking system. You should perform a brake fluid flush only if your car was originally equipped with it or if it has been recommended by your car manufacturer. A typical EBC flush requires replacing the entire master cylinder and can cost around $250 dollars.
Benefits of Performing a Brake Fluid Flush on a Vehicle
If you own a car, you should perform a brake fluid flush at least once a year, if not more frequently. The benefits of doing this include:
improved braking performance;
lessens the chance of brake failure; and
increased pedal feel. Here are four reasons why you should always flush your brakes with fresh fluid:
1. Improved Braking Performance
The reason brake fluid flushes are so important is that they help to improve braking performance. By cleaning the system and replacing any old or contaminated fluid, you ensure that your brakes will work as well as they possibly can. This means that you can stop much faster and with less effort than when your brakes are performing at their best, but with degraded fluid levels.
2. Less Chance of Brake Failure
Brake failure can be a costly problem for drivers and carmakers alike. When your brakes fail, you may find yourself involved in an accident – and that’s not something that you want to experience on a regular basis. By regularly flushing your brakes with fresh fluid, you’re reducing the chances of
When to Expect the Results of a Brake Fluid Flush
When you do a brake fluid flush, your car should stop and shift properly. There are different ways to measure when a flush is complete, but the most common way is to use a hand-held vacuum. A brake fluid flush will remove dirt and rust from your braking system, which can affect your stopping power and create wear on your brakes. If you’re not sure when your flush is done, or if there are any problems after the flush, it’s important to schedule a visit from a mechanic.