Brakes are one of the most important safety components on your vehicle but often overlooked when thinking about car maintenance. A brake fluid flush is just as important as your oil change and tire rotation. Most car manufacturers recommend a brake fluid flush as part of your regular vehicle maintenance.
Brake fluid is a critical, non-compressible fluid that transfers pressure from the brake pedal to the calipers, enabling a vehicle to stop. Moisture can contaminate the fluid leading to less effective braking and a less safe vehicle. This is what makes it different from other liquids, it’s hygroscopic.
What happens when your brake fluid is contaminated?
- Contaminated fluid boil at a lower temperature. During heavy braking, this turns fluid into vapor causing the brake pedal to feel soft or sink to the floor and reducing your ability to stop, especially in emergency situations.
- Water causes internal rust in brake lines, master cylinders and calipers..
- Rust particles and contaminated fluid can clog or damage delicate valves within the ABS system.
The most common signs of needing a brake fluid flush:
- If the brake pedal feels mushy, requires more effort, or goes closer to the floor than usual, it indicates air or moisture contamination.
- Clean brake fluid is transparent or light amber. If it appears dark brown, black, or murky, it is contaminated and needs to be replaced.
- A noticeable delay in stopping or a “weak” feeling when braking indicates that the hydraulic fluid is failing.
- Dashboard alerts often trigger when sensors detect low fluid levels or contamination.
- A pungent or burning odor after braking indicates that the fluid is overheating and failing to manage heat properly.
- The car pulling to one side when braking can sometimes indicate a failing brake caliper due to contaminated fluid.
A flush is performed by first completely pushing out the old, dark fluid and replacing it with new clean fluid. The moisture is then removed to prevent the fluid from boiling. The last step is to bleed the brakes to remove air, check for leaks and making sure the brakes are functioning properly.
If not maintained properly, it can lead to expensive repairs and/or brake failure. A brake fluid flush should be done every 30,000 miles or every 3 years.
Brake Service at Scott’s U-Save
Whether you need a brake fluid flush or pads and rotors replaced, Scott’s U-Save has you covered. With shops in New Lenox and Steger Illinois, as well as Crown Point and Schererville Indiana. Call or schedule an appointment today!