Brake flushes are a standard maintenance procedure on many cars. When the car is stopped and the brake pedal is pressed, the brake fluid is forced through the system and out the bleeder screw. This prevents any air from entering the brakes, which can lead to a reduction in braking performance.
The Purpose of a Brake Flush
A brake flush is a maintenance procedure that should be performed on your car every 6 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Brake fluid is a natural resource and like any other natural resource, it can become depleted over time. This depletion can cause your brakes to function less efficiently and may even lead to a failure.
A brake flush removes the old fluid and replaces it with new fluid. The new fluid has a higher boiling point and will resist corrosion. This will help ensure that your brakes continue to function properly for years to come.
The Different Types of Brake Flushes
Brake flushes have a few different purposes. Some are done as a preventative measure, while others are used to clean and adjust the brake system.
Here’s a closer look at each type:
Preventive Brake Flushes:
Preventive brake flushes are typically done when the brake system is not in use to clean and adjust the brakes. This type of flush is typically recommended every 6 months or when the braking performance has deteriorated.
Operational Brake Flushes:
Operational brake flushes are typically done when the brakes need to be adjusted or when the system has been contaminated. This type of flush is typically recommended every 3 months or when the braking performance has deteriorated.
Pros and Cons of a Brake Flush
A brake flush is a routine maintenance procedure that can help your car run smoother. The process involves flushing out the brake system with a solvent, which removes any built-up debris that can cause poor braking performance. Here are the pros and cons of doing a brake flush:
PRO: A brake flush can help clean out the brake system and make your car run smoother.
CON: Brake fluid can be expensive, and some solvents can be dangerous if not used correctly.
When to Perform a Brake Flush
A brake flush is a routine maintenance procedure that should be performed on your car every 10,000 miles or every 3 months, whichever comes first.
A brake flush is best performed when the brake pads are at their low wear point. The reason for this is that the brake fluid will be replaced with fresh fluid and the old fluid will be flushed out. If you wait until the pads are worn down, the fluid may not be replaced and may contain contaminants that can cause problems down the road.
The process of a brake flush involves removing the cap on the master cylinder and pouring in a small amount of clean brake fluid. Then, you use a syringe to squirt some of the fluid onto the pad’s friction surface. Finally, you replace the cap on the master cylinder and drive your car home.