What is the purpose of a brake fluid flush?
Brake fluid is important to your vehicle’s braking system. It transmits the hydraulic braking force and allows your car’s brake pads or shoes to press against the rotors or drums, creating friction and stopping your vehicle.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic (which basically means it absorbs moisture from the air over time). The water that brake fluid absorbs overtime causes internal corrosion to your braking system, which can cause expensive damage and reduces braking efficiency. Therefore we recommend that every 2 to 3 years your vehicle’s brake fluid will need replacing. A brake fluid flush removes the old, contaminated brake fluid from your vehicle. It is then replaced with brand new brake fluid.
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How often should brake fluid be replaced?
The recommended brake fluid replacement interval varies depending on the vehicle make and model, as well as driving conditions. If you put the brakes under pressure regularly, they fluid may need replacement sooner. Activities that put pressure on the brakes include regularly slamming on the brakes, stopping and starting, or towing heavy loads as the brakes will need to work harder to stop the vehicle.
As a general guideline, most manufacturers recommend replacing brake fluid every 2-3 years or every 40,000km – 60,000km (24,000-36,000 miles), whichever comes first. However, it is important to consult the owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic for specific recommendations for your vehicle.
Symptoms of brake fluid due for replacement
- Decreased brake responsiveness – Your brakes may take longer to work. This can cause safety risks if left unfixed. If your brakes aren’t working as quickly as they should, bring your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can.
- Soft or spongy brake pedal – over long periods of heavy braking the water absorbed into the brake fluid can boil off leaving air trapped in the braking system. This air in the braking system causes your brake pedal to feel soft or spongy, and you may notice your brake pedal goes down further, and you might have to “pump” the brake pedal several times to get a firm brake pedal with less travel.
- Brake fluid is a black/brown colour -If the brake fluid appears dark or discolored, it could be a sign that it has become contaminated with moisture, dirt, or other debris. In some cases, the brake fluid may also have a burnt smell, which can indicate that it has become overheated and needs to be replaced.
- Brake fluid leaking – If you notice any fluid leaks around the wheels or brake lines, it could be a sign that the brake fluid or another braking component is due for replacement. Leaking brake fluid can be caused by deteriorated rubber components in the brake system, which can occur when the brake fluid becomes old or contaminated.
Brake fluid flushing and replacement in Hamilton
The longer you leave your brake fluid, the more of a problem it can become due to internal brake system corrosion and lowered brake perfromance. As well as the safety risks, old brake fluid can also cause damage to other parts of your braking system. We can flush the old brake fluid out of your car, replacing it with brand new fluid. This will allow for quicker braking, increased safety and less damage to other parts.
For reliable brake fluid flushing in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!