Brake fluid is a necessary part of any car, and it’s important to change it regularly to ensure that your braking system is in good working order. Here are three easy steps on how to change brake fluid in your car.
What is Brake Fluid?
Brake fluid is a fluid that is used to stop or slow the movement of a vehicle. It is composed of water, glycol, and mineral oil. Brake fluid is usually applied to the brake pads to help them stop the car. When brake pads wear out, they no longer create enough friction to stop the car. Brake fluid can be changed by removing the brake calipers, bleeding the system, and refilling with new brake fluid.
How Does Brake Fluid Work?
Brake fluid helps to stop your vehicle from rolling. The fluid is squeezed from a container and directed into the brake caliper. The caliper uses the pressure of the fluid to squeeze the brake pads against the rotor, which stops the car.
How to Change Brake Fluid
If your car has a hydraulic brake system, you will need to change the brake fluid at least every two years. The fluid helps to stop the car, and if it is not changed properly, the brakes can wear out faster. Here are instructions on how to change the brake fluid:
1. Park your car in a safe location with the parking brake engaged.
2. Remove the front wheel (if equipped).
3. Open the hood and locate the reservoir that holds the brake fluid.
4. unscrew the cap and remove any excess fluid from around the cap and reservoir.
5. Pour 1 liter of new brake fluid into the reservoir, screw on the cap, and replace the wheel.
6. Close the hood and engage the parking brake.
7. Drive your car slowly for a few minutes to allow it to reach operating temperature.
What to Do If You Can’t Change Brake Fluid
If you can’t change your brake fluid, follow these steps:
1. Remove the wheel and inspect the brake lines for cracks or breaks. If there is a break, don’t use the brake fluid to repair it – use an open-end wrench to remove the broken piece and replace it with a new line. Use a new section of brake line if you are replacing the entire line.
2. Drain the brake fluid from the system using a container or a syringe. Use a funnel if necessary. If you have a manual transmission, also remove the pan gasket on the rear axle (if present) and drain any oil that has pooled there.
3. Replace any missing or damaged parts, and replace any contaminated or leaking fluid with fresh brake fluid. Fill the system to the proper level and bleed it using one of the methods described below.
4. Replace any damaged or leaking hoses with new ones, making sure to bleed them first.
5. Reconnect all components and tighten the bolts to specification. Reinstall the wheel and test drive to check for leaks.
Conclusion
Brake fluid can become a major problem if it accumulates over time. Changing the brake fluid regularly will help to prevent this from happening, and flushing the system each time you change the fluid will also ensure that your brakes are working as they should. Follow these steps to change your brake fluid:
1) Park the car in a well-lit area.
2) Remove the front wheel and tire.
3) Use a container large enough to hold all of the existing brake fluid (at least 3 gallons/11 liters).
4) Add fresh brake fluid to the container, making sure to pour it into all of the brake lines. Replace the wheel and tire, then reattach them to the vehicle.