Brake fluid (or DOT 3) is a vital component of your car’s braking system. But like most things, brake fluid can become contaminated over time, leading to poor braking performance. To keep your braking system in top condition, it’s important to do a brake fluid flush every 5 years or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
What is a brake fluid flush?
A brake fluid flush is a maintenance procedure that is typically done on brake systems on vehicles. Brake fluid is used to stop or slow a vehicle. A brake fluid flush removes old brake fluid, dirt, and other contaminants from the system. This will help to ensure proper braking performance.
When should you do a brake fluid flush?
When your brakes stop working properly, you may want to do a brake fluid flush. A brake fluid flush cleans and refills the brake system with new fluid. Here are four tips to follow when doing a brake fluid flush:
1. Check the Brake Fluid Level—First, check the brake fluid level. If it’s low, add new brake fluid and bleed the brakes as directed by your car’s owner’s manual.
2. Bleed the Brakes—If the brake fluid level is correct, next you need to bleed the brakes. Bleed the brakes by pressing and holding the brake pedal to the floor for about 15 seconds.
3. Remove andClean any Components—After bleeding the brakes, be sure to remove and clean any components that could have been contaminated by old or dirty brake fluid (e.g., calipers, pads).
4. Add New Brake Fluid—Finally, add new brake fluid and replace any contaminated components.
How much does a brake fluid flush cost?
A brake fluid flush cost anywhere from $30 to $150, depending on the type of vehicle, the number of flushes required, and the service provider. In most cases, a professional mechanic will be able to perform the flush using a brake fluid recycling machine.
What to do if you don’t have a brake fluid flush kit
If you don’t have a brake fluid flush kit, you can do a brake fluid flush using the following steps:
1. Park your car in a safe place.
2. Shut off the engine and remove the key.
3. Open the hood.
4. Remove the cap from the master cylinder reservoir.
5. Fill a container about one-third full of water and pour it into the reservoir until the water level is at least an inch above the bottom of the cap.
6. Replace the cap and tighten it lightly with a wrench.
7. Put on latex gloves and pour half of the brake fluid into the reservoir, stirring it with a plastic or metal object to suspend particles in the fluid. Pour enough fluid to cover the bottom of the cap.
8. Add more fluid if necessary to make a slopping mixture that reaches to within 1/2 inch of the top of the reservoir cap. Do not overfill; if too much fluid is added, it will overflow when you try to lower the car’s wheel pressure.
When should you replace your brake pads?
The brake pads on your car are designed to stop the vehicle by friction. Over time, the pads can wear down, which will cause them to stop working as effectively. When this happens, you may notice that your car takes longer to come to a stop, or that it skids when you apply the brakes.
One way to tell if your brake pads need to be replaced is to flush them with brake fluid. Brake fluid is a mixture of water and glycols, which work together to help stop the car. When you flush the pads, the water and glycols break down the old pad material and remove any built-up dust or grease.
If your brakes are causing problems, it’s worth replacing the pads and flushing the system. However, if your brakes are performing normally and you just want to keep them clean, you don’t need to do anything. Just make sure that you change your brake fluid every 3 years or 6 000 miles, whichever comes first.
Conclusion
If your car has recently been in a accident, or if you have noticed that the brakes feel spongy or grabby, it’s time to do a brake fluid flush. By flushing the brake system, you will help to remove any residual debris that might be causing the brakes to feel this way. Additionally, by doing a brake fluid flush you will ensure that your pads and discs are working as they should. If you notice any symptoms other than those described above, such as squealing when you apply the brakes or loss of stopping power, it is best to bring your car in for inspection.