What is the main reason brake fluid needs to be changed?
Brake fluid is a critical component of your vehicle's braking system, ensuring that your car stops safely and efficiently. However, many drivers overlook the importance of changing brake fluid as part of routine maintenance. In this article, we’ll explore the main reason brake fluid needs to be changed and why neglecting this task can compromise your safety on the road.
The Main Reason: Brake Fluid Absorbs Moisture
The primary reason brake fluid needs to be changed is its hygroscopic nature, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air over time. This moisture contamination can lead to several issues that affect the performance and safety of your braking system.
How Moisture Affects Brake Fluid
When brake fluid absorbs moisture, it can cause the following problems:
- Reduced Boiling Point: Brake fluid operates under high temperatures, especially during heavy braking. Moisture lowers the boiling point of the fluid, increasing the risk of vapor lock, where the fluid turns to gas and causes brake failure.
- Corrosion of Brake Components: Moisture in the brake fluid can lead to rust and corrosion inside the braking system, damaging critical components like calipers, brake lines, and master cylinders.
- Decreased Braking Efficiency: Contaminated brake fluid can result in a spongy brake pedal feel and reduced braking power, compromising your ability to stop quickly in emergencies.
How Often Should Brake Fluid Be Changed?
Most manufacturers recommend changing brake fluid every two to three years or as specified in your vehicle’s owner manual. However, the frequency may vary depending on your driving conditions, such as frequent stop-and-go traffic or driving in humid climates, which can accelerate moisture absorption.
Signs Your Brake Fluid Needs Attention
Here are some warning signs that indicate it might be time to change your brake fluid:
- Brake pedal feels soft or spongy.
- Reduced braking performance or longer stopping distances.
- Brake fluid appears dark or dirty when inspected.
- Warning light for brakes illuminates on your dashboard.
Conclusion
Changing your brake fluid regularly is a simple yet essential step in maintaining your vehicle’s safety and performance. By addressing moisture contamination and ensuring your braking system operates at its best, you can avoid costly repairs and, more importantly, keep yourself and others safe on the road. If you’re unsure about the condition of your brake fluid, don’t hesitate to visit a trusted auto repair shop like Kevin’s Autos for a professional inspection and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
