Over time, brake fluid can become contaminated with rust, calcium, and other impurities. When this happens, the brake system may not work as well as it should. To ensure your car’s brakes are working at their best, it’s important to flush the system regularly. Here’s a guide on how to do it!
How Often to Flush Brake Fluid
If you have a manual transmission car, you will need to flush the brake fluid every 3 months or 12,000 miles. If you have a automatic transmission car, you will need to flush the brake fluid every 6 months or 18,000 miles.
What is brake fluid made of
Brake fluid is a type of fluid that is used to stop a car. It is made of brake drums, brake shoes, and a liquid master cylinder. Brake fluid helps to resist wear and tear on the brakes.
How to Test Brake Fluid Level
In the event that you have a low brake fluid level, it is important to flush your car’s fluid system and replace the fluid as necessary. Here are four steps on how to test brake fluid level andflush your car’s system:
1. Park your car in a safe location with the parking brake engaged.
2. Open the hood and locate the reservoir closest to the brake pedal.
3. Pump the brakes several times to get a good feel for how much braking force is required to stop the car.
4. Record how many times you needed to apply the brakes in order to stop the car at 50 mph (80 km/h).
If you notice that your car is pulling to one side or has a lack of braking power, it’s time to flush and refill your car’s brake system with fresh fluid.
How to Change the Brake Fluid Level
If your car has an ABS system, you should also flush the brake fluid every 3 years. Brake fluid helps to prevent wheel lockup and also keeps the brakes from rusting.
Conclusion
If your car has been sitting for a while, it’s important to flush the brake fluid and oil system to prevent any rust or build-up. Follow these steps to flush the system:
1) Park your car on a level surface with the parking brake engaged. Make sure all doors are closed.
2) Open the hood and locate the brake fluid reservoir. The reservoir is usually located just above or behind the front axle.
3) Turn off the ignition and disconnect both hoses that connect to the reservoir (one on each side).
4) Place one end of a garden hose into one of the open ends of each hose connected to the reservoir, making sure that both ends are securely attached to each other.
5) Raise both hoses up until they’re at least 6 inches (15 cm) above ground level, then slowly lower them down so that they’re submerged in water. Try not to splash yourself!
6) Wait five minutes, then repeat Steps 2-5 for the oil supply line connecting to engine block.