Brake fluid changes are essential to your car’s maintenance. They should be done at the manufacturer-recommended intervals, or every two years, whichever comes first. With brake fluid, the longer you wait to change it, the higher the chances you’ll have to deal with expensive repairs on your car and time spent off the road. Luckily, changing brake fluid isn’t a costly or complicated job for an experienced mechanic.
How to Tell When It’s Time for New Brake Fluid
While it’s usually best to follow the recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle, there may be times when you may need to get your car’s brake fluid changed sooner. Typically brakes that feel spongy or soft are a sign of low pressure in the brake system. This is because your vehicle’s braking system relies on pressurized fluid to provide the power needed to stop your car. Therefore, leaks in the system can cause low fluid, leading to poor braking performance.
Do You Notice a Burnt Smell While Braking?
Old brake fluid can become contaminated, which will cause it to burn over time. In addition, older fluid will break down and not be as resistant to temperatures, leading to a burning smell while driving. Driving with burnt brake fluid can cause braking system failure, which is very dangerous. If you smell burning brake fluid, especially after hard braking, pull off the road immediately and get your car to your mechanic.
Rust and Corrosion
The constant heating and cooling associated with hydraulic brake fluid can leave moisture behind, which can cause rust on brake components over time. Older brake fluid can worsen this problem as its heat tolerance reduces with age and usage. Also, over time particles and debris can get into the solution and cause further deterioration of the brake solution.
Do I Need a Brake Fluid Flush?
Typically, the preferred method of changing the brake fluid is flushing the system. This involves getting all the old brake fluid out of the system and replacing it with new fluid. Also, your auto technician will inspect all the major components of your car’s braking system and recommend additional services if necessary. While it is possible to change the brake fluid, flushing the system is the only way to remove all of the old fluid entirely and is, therefore, usually recommended.
While most car manufacturers will recommend a brake fluid change every two years or 30,000 miles, it’s usually best to consult your trusted mechanic to determine if this is best for your car. In addition, if you notice any signs of burned-out brake fluid or poor braking performance, consult your mechanic as soon as possible.