Checking the brake fluid

The main signs that the brake fluid needs to be changed as soon as possible are as follows

• Low braking efficiency, although the fluid level in the system is normal, which critically reduces its boiling point. Keep in mind that low braking performance can also be caused by a faulty brake cylinder.
• Corrosion of the brake system that occurs on the brake calipers, the pistons mounted on them, and the brake cylinder. This means that the fluid has gained moisture and lost its anti-corrosion properties. In this situation, the rusted pistons are often locked in the calipers, which cannot return to their correct position after braking. As a result, not only are the calipers damaged, but the brake pads and discs wear out faster and more unevenly, fuel consumption increases, and the car pulls to the side when braking.
• Brake fluid expiration date. The fluid must be changed every two years. If you purchase a used vehicle, the brake fluid must be changed immediately.
• Replacing brake system components such as the brake cylinder, rigid brake caliper tubes or elastic brake hoses (elastic brake hose lugs). Always fill the system with new brake fluid when replacing them.
• Contamination is visible in the brake fluid reservoir if another fluid is accidentally added to the reservoir and the measurement shows that the reservoir contains more than 3% water. It is recommended that the fluid be replaced in conjunction with the replacement of brake system components. For example, you should change the brake fluid whenever new brake pads or new brake pads and brake discs are installed.

Why you need to check your brake fluid

Just because you check the brake fluid level regularly doesn’t mean you’re keeping an eye on the brake system. In addition to the level, you should also regularly check the condition of the fluid to determine whether it has lost its chemical properties.

• Brake fluid contains some alcohol and absorbs moisture
• Moisture will interact with the metal parts of your brake system and cause them to corrode over time
• Rubber hoses and seals in the brake system wear out over time and become contaminated with brake fluid
• As a rule, the first thing that wears out is the brake master cylinder, which begins to leak
• If brake fluid leaks from the master cylinder and gets into the brake booster, it will have to be replaced
• Brake fluid should not be used for more than 2-3 years of vehicle operation (with a mileage of no more than 20,000-30,000 per year). After that, the brake fluid completely loses its properties. As a result, your car’s brakes may suddenly completely fail due to poor fluid.
• If you do not change the brake fluid in time, your brake system can fail. This is especially true if your vehicle is equipped with ABS. In this case, repairs can cost several thousand dollars.

Brake fluid is another consumable, along with pads and discs, that needs to be changed on time to keep the entire braking system running smoothly. However, while everything is clear with pads and discs, the fluid is often forgotten or overlooked.  At the same time, brake fluid is a full-fledged and important participant in braking, acting as a lever or cable that connects the pedal to the brake pads.

What you need to know about brake fluid

• The brake fluid is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture), which helps protect the components of the brake system
• The brake fluid is light yellow in color
• Does not shrink in volume when compressed, which is ideal for use in automotive brake systems
• Lubricates the pistons in the brake master cylinder, caliper pistons and wheel brake cylinders
• The brake fluid lubricates the rubber seals in the brake master cylinder and in the brake cylinders mounted on the wheels
• Brake fluid has good resistance to temperature changes
• DOT 3 brake fluid has a boiling point of 205 degrees
• DOT liquid boiling point 4 230 degrees

• It is recommended to use only the brake fluid specified by the vehicle manufacturer in the vehicle’s operating instructions.

You can check the quality of the brake fluid using the following methods

• Checking the color. New brake fluid is clear or yellowish in color, while used fluid may be dark, cloudy, or rusty.
• Using a quality tester. A simple and quick way to check the quality of brake fluid. It works by determining the boiling point of the fluid. Typically, the tester is connected to the brake fluid on the brake master cylinder and the test result is displayed on the screen. The boiling point of the brake fluid must correspond to the boiling point specified in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.
• Use a test strip to analyze the water content of the brake fluid: If the brake fluid contains more than 3% water, its properties can be adversely affected. Test strips allow you to quickly and easily determine the presence of water in the fluid.

If you live in an area with a humid climate, it is better to change the brake fluid once a year. If you live in a dry climate with low humidity, you should change the fluid once every three years.

This way, you will increase the service life of your brake system and reduce the risk of costly brake repairs.

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