Brake fluid is a vital part of your car, and it needs to be flushed regularly to keep it in good working order. But when do you need to flush it? And what are the signs that you need to do so? Read on to find out!
When do You Need to Flush Your Brake Fluid
When do you need to flush your brake fluid? Every car is different, but generally speaking you should flush your brake fluid every 3 to 5 years. Here are some reasons why:
-If your brakes have ever failed, you should flush the system and replace any worn or contaminated parts.
-If your brakes have been recently serviced or if there was significant wear and tear (like from a hard stop), you should flush the system and check for leaks.
-If you add or remove fluids from your car, you should also flush the brake fluid system.
What is Brake Fluid and How Does it Work?
Brake fluid is a type of fluid that is used to help stop a car or bus from skidding. Brake fluid is usually made up of water, oil, and an anti-lock agent. When the brake pedal is pressed, the brake pads squish the brake fluid against the rotors. This action makes the brake pads heat up, and the heat breaks down the molecular chains in the brake fluid. This process makes a thick liquid that can be used to stop a car.
When Should You Flush Brake Fluid?
If you’re having trouble braking, or your brakes feel spongy, it’s time to flush your brake fluid. Brake fluid is a type of liquid lubricant that helps your brakes work properly. When it becomes contaminated with dust, debris, or moisture, it can become ineffective and cause braking problems. Follow these guidelines to flush your brake fluid:
If you’ve only had your car for a few months, and it hasn’t been serviced recently, you don’t need to flush your brake fluid.
If you have recently had your brakes serviced and the technician found any debris or moisture in the fluid, you should flush the fluid.
If you have recently had your brakes serviced and the technician found no debris or moisture in the fluid, you can wait until the next time your brakes need to be flushed.
What to Do If You Don’t Know When to Flush Your Brake Fluid
If your car doesn’t have a brake fluid warning light, you may not need to flush the system. However, if the brake pedal feels spongy, or if the car just won’t stop, it’s a good idea to flush the system. Here’s how:
1. Park the car in a safe spot and turn off the ignition.
2. Remove any screws that hold on the brake fluid reservoir cap.
3. Loosen the cap slightly and pour about 1 cup of brake fluid into the reservoir. Replace the cap and tighten it down with screws.
4. Start the car and check for a brake fluid warning light. If there is no warning light, drive the car around for a while to make sure it stops properly. If there is still no warning light, repeat steps 2-4 until there is a warning light.
Conclusion
When it comes to car maintenance, one of the most important things you can do is flush your brake fluid every time you replace your brake pads or discs. Brake fluid helps to stop the car from skidding and allows you to make quick stops in slippery conditions. By flushing your brake fluid regularly, you are ensuring that your brakes are working at their best and that they will last as long as possible.