Brake Fluids

Brake fluid

Brake fluid is a sort of hydraulic fluid that helps your vehicle's brake system transfer power. It's what makes sure that when you step on the brake pedal, your car comes to a complete stop. Brake fluid, like all hydraulic fluids, is non-compressible. When the brake pedal is pressed at one end of the brake system, the fluid in the brake line of a vehicle is forced to move through the system. This force is transferred to a vacuum-powered brake boost, which is subsequently passed to the brake pads, which press against the vehicle's wheels and bring it to a stop.

As a result, brake fluid is an important part of your car. Anything that degrades the quality of your fluid, like as moisture absorbed from the air, will reduce its effectiveness and, as a result, your vehicle's braking ability.

Brake fluid is the lifeblood of the braking system, and it's an often-overlooked yet crucial component of your car.

When should you replace your brake fluid?

A good rule of thumb is to change your oil every one to two years, although this will depend on your vehicle's manufacturer's recommendations.

Moisture absorbed from the air is the most common hazard. Water in brake fluid lowers the boiling point, reducing pressure inside the braking system and reducing performance for the reasons stated above. Moisture can also erode some of the other components of the braking system.

Brake fluid fades from clear to light brown to a deeper color as it ages. Since moisture contamination can cause the same effect, cloudy-looking brake fluid may indicate that it's time to replace it. You can also have a professional examine the moisture content of your fluid at any time.