One of the most important safety features on an automobile is the hydraulic brakes. This critical system consists of many components working together to stop your car. Keeping them properly functioning begins with maintenance, and that means remembering your routine brake fluid change.
Signs It’s Time For A Brake Fluid Change
Generally, you should change your brake fluid every 2-3 years. Failing to change your fluid on schedule can lead to corrosion and brake failure. As components begin to deteriorate, you may notice one of these signs:
- Check engine or ABS light illuminated
- Spongy brake pedal
- Longer braking distances
- Corroded brake parts
- Discolored fluid in the reservoir
- Unusual noises
- Leaking brake fluid
The Importance Of A Brake Fluid Change
Car brakes work by applying pressure to the wheels. The use of hydraulics gives the driver greater reliability and stopping power. By nature, the hydraulic brake system uses an incompressible fluid for transferring power efficiently.
Over time, brake fluid will deteriorate, affecting your vehicle’s stopping ability. Unfortunately, about 26% of car owners ignore a brake problem for a month or more. However, driving with impaired hydraulic brakes causes additional damage to parts and increases your accident risk:
- Moisture in the fluid
Most automakers require glycol-based brake fluid. One of the key benefits of glycol can also turn into a disadvantage. Inevitably, water gets into the brake system, and glycol readily absorbs it. This disperses water throughout the system, preventing moisture buildup and corrosion. However, it also lowers the fluid’s boiling point and saturates the fluid.
- Lowered boiling point
Even under normal driving conditions, car brakes generate heat. Furthermore, certain driving conditions generate additional amounts:
- Stop and go traffic
- Towing
- Driving downhill
These two factors, the lower boiling point and excessive heat, cause the fluid to boil easily and vaporize. Now, when you press on the brake pedal, the vapor compresses, weakening the power transfer. Hence, you’ll experience greater difficulty in stopping.
- Corrosion
Once brake fluid absorbs a certain percentage of water, it becomes saturated. Now the moisture-laden fluid can cause rust and corrosion.
- Additive depletion
Typically, manufacturers blend special additives into the brake fluid to protect the system. Depending on the brand, the fluid can contain 2-5% of any of these protectants:
- anticorrosion inhibitors
- anti-wear additives
- rust inhibitors
- acid neutralizing
- pH balancer additives
- antifoaming additives
- viscosity stabilizers
Continued exposure to heat and moisture depletes these additives and removes their protective properties.
Steps To Change Your Brake Fluid
In this age of DIY YouTube tutorials, it’s easy to find instructions for changing your brake fluid:
- Remove the old brake fluid
- Refill the master cylinder
- Bleed the system to remove air bubbles
- Add more fluid to the master cylinder to the full line
- Properly dispose of the old brake fluid
However, to perform this task, you need some automotive experience and the proper tools. Often, DIYers make mistakes, and some of these compromise their braking ability:
- Introducing air bubbles and/or dirt into the system
- Spilling brake fluid on other parts
- Leaving old fluid in the system
- Over-tightening bleeder valves and stripping the threads
- Using the incorrect DOT fluid.
- Improperly disposing of old fluid
Moreover, changing the brake fluid can take you between 2 to 3 hours. However, a professional brake fluid change takes between 30 to 45 minutes.
FAQs
Modern cars are complicated pieces of machinery with complex systems. If you have a question about your brake performance, call us at 336-904-6319. Below, we answer a few commonly asked questions about hydraulic brakes.
What Will It Cost To Change My Brake Fluid?
When you take your car to an auto shop, the mechanic will flush your system before replacing the fluid. Typically, the brake fluid type, the shop’s labor costs, and your vehicle’s make and model affect the price. Generally, expect to pay between $100 and $160.
How Do I Know What Kind Of Brake Fluid I Need?
Depending on your system, your car may require one of 4 different types of fluids. Putting the wrong fluid in your system can damage components and affect your safety with poorly performing brakes. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will specify your manufacturer’s recommendation.
Furthermore, choose a high-quality fluid for your safety. Generally, using a name-brand ensures protection of metal parts and resistance of moisture absorption.
Why Should I Trust Havoline® Xpress Lube Of Kernersville With My Brakes?
Hydraulic brakes are a critical safety feature of your car. Hence, finding a trustworthy mechanic to fix and maintain your brakes is crucial. At Xpress Lube, our mechanics are experienced and ASE certified. After all, we’ve been helping car owners maintain their vehicles for over 25 years. Here’s what some of our customers say about our services:
Mac and his crew always thoroughly do their job and make everything go smoothly. I recommend him and the shop. – 2015 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED SPORT Owner
They’re always Great and fast service. Everyone is treated very nice and I feel like my vehicle is always taken really good care of. The guys are all professional and friendly. This is my favorite place to bring my vehicle. – 2013 DODGE DURANGO SXT Owner
Always go here, friendly and knowledgeable staff and they do great work! Taken my vehicles here for over 10 years. – 2021 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5/SR5 PREMIUM/V Owner
If you’re noticing some problems with your car brakes, don’t wait! Make an appointment with Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville by calling 336-904-6319.
