When your car is cold, the fluid in the brake system can become thick and difficult to move. This can cause problems when you try to brake, and may even result in a warning light from your car’s computer. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to flush the brake system every couple of years. Here’s how to do it!
What is a brake fluid flush and what are the benefits?
A brake fluid flush is an important maintenance procedure that should be done on a regular basis to keep your braking system in good working order. The flush cleans out old brake fluid and debris, and replaces it with fresh fluid. This helps to prevent sticking and reduced stopping power. Brake fluid flushes also have the benefit of reducing the noise and feel of your brakes.
How often do you need to flush the brake fluid in a car?
There is no set answer, as it depends on your car’s make and model, how dirty the brake fluid is, and the severity of the brake system’s condition. However, general recommendations are to flush the brake fluid every 5,000 miles or every three months, whichever comes first.
If you’re unsure whether or not your car needs a brake fluid flush, you can checking the manufacturer’s guidelines. And if you notice any warning signs such as a decreased braking distance or excessive noise when you apply the brakes, it’s time to get a brake fluid flush done ASAP.
What should you do if your car doesn’t have a brake fluid flush kit?
If your car doesn’t have a brake fluid flush kit, you can still do a brake fluid flush by following these steps:
1. Park your car in a safe location.
2. Remove the cap from the reservoir.
3. Discard any old fluid.
4. Fill the reservoir with new brake fluid and replace the cap.
5. Drive your car to a safe location and stop at a red light.
6. Use your brake pedal to apply pressure to the discs for 30 seconds.
7. Remove the pressure from the discs and allow the car to idle for 30 seconds to allow the fluid to dissipate completely.
Conclusion
Now that you know how important brake fluid flushing is, it’s time to learn when is the best time to do it. Most mechanics perform a brake fluid flush every 5,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. However, depending on your driving habits and the severity of your braking system, you may need to flush your brakes more often than this. As long as your mechanic has seen evidence of contamination (such as black dust in the reservoir), they should be able to diagnose and fix the issue with a brake fluid flush.