When it comes to your car, you might take for granted that the brake fluid is always keeping your brakes in good working condition. However, if you’re not flushing the brake fluid every 3 months or 12,000 miles, you’re risking losing braking performance and even causing a car accident.
What is brake fluid?
Brake fluid is a type of fluid used in braking systems. It helps to stop the car by reducing friction between the brake pads and the rotors. Brake fluid is usually flushed every time the brakes are serviced, or when the brake pads or rotors wear out.
How often should brake fluid be flushed?
Brake fluid is a vital part of the braking system on a car. When your brake pads wear down, they create friction against the rotors, which stops the car. Over time, brake fluid can become contaminated with mineral deposits and other objects. This can cause your brakes to stop working properly. To keep your brakes functioning at their best, it’s important to flush the brake fluid every three months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first.
When should the brake fluid be replaced?
There are a few factors to consider when deciding when the brake fluid should be replaced. The most important factor is how often the vehicle is used. Preexisting moisture in the brake system can cause corrosion, which can lead to a decrease in braking capacity. Additionally, if the brakes aren’t serviced on a regular basis, they may not work as well as they could. In general, it’s recommended that the brake fluid be flushed every 3 to 6 months, depending on how often the vehicle is used.
Conclusion
When it comes to brake fluid, most people seem to have one of two opinions: either you should never flush it and your car will last forever, or you should flushing it every time you do a brake job. The truth is a little more nuanced than that, and depends on the type of brake fluid being used and how often the system is flushed. In general, though, we recommend flushing your brakes every three to six months using DOT 3 brake fluid or once per year using DOT 4 brake fluid.