Brake fluid is a vital component of your car’s stopping power. But like any other mechanical system, brake fluid can become contaminated if it isn’t flushed out on a regular basis. In this article, we’ll explain how often you need to flush out your brake fluid, and what the consequences of not doing so can be.
The Basics of Brake Fluid
Most drivers don’t realize that brake fluid needs to be flushed out every time the brakes are serviced. The mechanic will bleed the brakes and check for leaks, but they won’t flush out the system unless there is a problem. Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid and it contains anti- corrosion inhibitors as well as other additives. Over time, these additives can start to break down and cause a build-up of sludge and debris in the system. Brake fluid should be replaced every 3 years or 300,000 miles, whichever comes first.
When Should You Flush Your Brakes?
Brake fluid can accumulate in the brake system over time, which can lead to decreased braking performance. To ensure optimal braking performance, you should flush your brakes every 3 months or when the fluid starts to look or smell abnormal.
How to Flush Your Brakes
If your car has a hydraulic brake system, you’ll need to flush the fluid every time the brakes are serviced or replaced. This is because brake fluid can become contaminated with dirt, dust, and other materials that can cause the system to malfunction. Follow these steps to flush your brakes:
Step 1: Park your car in a level place and remove the wheel and tire.
Step 2: Open the bleed screw on the bottom of each caliper (see photo). Bleed the brakes until all the fluid has been drained from each caliper. Be careful not to overfill the calipers as this can cause leaks.
Step 3: Pour new brake fluid into each caliper. Be sure to use the correct type and grade of fluid for your car’s make and model. Use a hose to fill each caliper until it’s full. Close the bleed screws on the calipers.
Step 4: Replace wheel and tire, reattach wheel nuts, and torque them to factory specifications. Drive your car around for a few minutes to allow the new brake fluid to settle in.
What to do if You Don’t Have Brake Fluid
If you don’t have brake fluid, you need to flush your system. Here’s how to do it:
-Remove the cap on the brake fluid reservoir.
-Place the vehicle in Park and turn off the engine.
-Open the bleed screws on each side of the master cylinder. Do not remove the caps from the bleeder screws.
-Attach a funnel to one end of a hose and connect it to the brake fluid reservoir.
-Attach the other end of the hose to a clean container.
-Screw the caps back on to the bleeder screws.
-Turn on the engine and let it run until the brakes feel soft.
-Stop the engine and bleed off any excess brake fluid into the container.
Conclusion
Brake fluid can get pretty gross over time, and it’s important to flush it out every few months or so to keep your brakes working the way they should. To do this, simply add a couple of cups of boiling water to a container with the brake fluid and let it cool. Once it’s cooled enough, pour the mixture into a drain or sewer system.