What is the main reason brake fluid needs to be changed?
Brake fluid is a critical component of a vehicle's braking system, and it needs to be changed regularly to ensure the system's proper functioning and safety. The main reason brake fluid needs to be changed is that it can become contaminated over time, reducing its effectiveness and potentially leading to brake system failure.
Brake Fluid Contamination
Brake fluid is a hygroscopic fluid, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. As the fluid absorbs water, its boiling point decreases, making it less effective at transferring force from the brake pedal to the brake pads. This can lead to a "spongy" or soft brake pedal, which can be dangerous, especially in emergency braking situations.
Additionally, the absorbed water can cause corrosion within the brake system, leading to the formation of rust and other contaminants. These contaminants can damage the sensitive components of the brake system, such as the brake calipers, master cylinder, and brake lines, ultimately compromising the overall braking performance and safety.
Recommended Brake Fluid Change Intervals
Most vehicle manufacturers recommend changing the brake fluid every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, the actual interval may vary depending on the vehicle's usage and driving conditions. Factors such as frequent towing, driving in mountainous areas, or exposure to extreme temperatures can accelerate the deterioration of the brake fluid and require more frequent changes.
Importance of Brake Fluid Changes
Regularly changing the brake fluid is essential for maintaining the integrity and performance of the braking system. Neglecting this maintenance task can lead to a range of issues, including:
- Reduced braking effectiveness and increased stopping distances
- Premature wear and tear on brake components, leading to more expensive repairs
- Potential brake system failure, which can be extremely dangerous and put the driver and passengers at risk
By staying on top of brake fluid changes, vehicle owners can ensure their brakes are in optimal condition and maintain a high level of safety while driving.
Is it really necessary to change brake fluid?
If ignored, contaminated brake fluid and moisture in your fluid lines can cause greater damage to your vehicle. This includes internal corrosion on rust on your brake lines, brake calipers, and other brake parts that can cost several hundred dollars to replace.
What is the main reason that brake fluid needs to be changed periodically?
It's probably not on your list of priorities, but there's a good reason why changing it every couple of years is in every manufacturer's maintenance schedule: the hydraulic fluid absorbs moisture. Over time the moisture level increases, which lowers the boiling point of the fluid.
Can brake fluid last 10 years?
There is no set time to change the brake fluid in your vehicle. The timing varies by type of car, the driving conditions you typically encounter, and the manufacturer's recommendations. But a good rule of thumb is to check it during regular oil changes, and expect to change it every four to five years.
What happens if brake fluid is not changed?
It will cause excessive heating and make the fluid boil, rendering your brakes inefficient. Allow the water to build up and remain in the vehicle, and internal corrosion may damage the master cylinder, calipers, brake lines, and other components.
How does brake fluid get low without a leak?
Causes of Low Brake Fluid
It's especially indicative of a leak if you notice the brake fluid on the ground near your vehicle. If you don't notice a leak, there could be other reasons the fluid is low, such as: Worn out brake pads. If the brake pads become worn out, more fluid gets stored inside the calipers.
How frequently should brake fluid be changed?
Most vehicle manufacturers recommend the brake fluid is changed every 2 years, regardless of the mileage. It may be that the fluid would be good for longer, but why take the chance?. Even if the fluid looks okay, you should still change it.
What causes brake fluid to go bad?
Yes, brake fluid can go bad by absorbing moisture which leads to the accumulation of contaminating elements in the fluid. As your brake fluid attracts moisture, performance is reduced.
What is the most common cause of low brake fluid?
Leaky Brake Lines, Hoses, Wheel Cylinders or Calipers
This fluid passes through many different systems (lines, hose, caliper, etc) and any of them can leak. Causes of the leak can range from general wear and tear to hitting something while you are driving.
How do I know if my brake fluid needs changing?
If it feels firmer than usual, your brake fluid may be dirty or contaminated. If it feels soft or like you're stepping in quicksand, you're probably low on fluid. Strange Sounds - Any time you hear a strange sound when you brake should be a cause for concern.
How much does it cost for a brake fluid change?
How much is Brake Fluid Change? The costs of changing the brake fluid, or doing a brake fluid flush, should cost between $80 to $130 and should be done by a professional mechanic to ensure safety. These costs can vary based on whether you want to change the fluid yourself and the type of fluid you have.
