How To Change Your Vehicle Brake Fluid? - Warranty Direct

Changing the brake fluid in your vehicle is often an overlooked vehicle maintenance chore that can mean the difference between an effective, responsive prevention system and a possible road calamity. Many drivers are conscientious about changing their oil, rotating their tires, and maintaining their engines in top condition, but brake fluid is a crucial component that demands equal consideration. In this blog, we delve into the world of brake fluid change, learning its significance, ways to examine and replace it, and more. So, let us get started!

What is Brake Fluid?

Before we go into the brake fluid replacement process, let's see what brake fluid is. Brake fluid is a specifically prepared hydraulic fluid that transmits force when the brake pedal is depressed. It is crucial to ensure that your vehicle can stop efficiently by transferring the power given to the brake pedal to the brake callipers, causing the brake pads to clamp onto the brake discs (or rotors), thus slowing down or stopping the vehicle.

What is Brake Fluid Change?

A brake fluid change is the foremost maintenance procedure for ensuring the optimum performance of a vehicle's braking system. As mentioned, brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that transmits the force of the brake pedal to the braking components at each wheel. Brake fluid can deteriorate over time owing to exposure to moisture, heat, and impurities, resulting in decreased efficiency. In this case, the brake pedal might feel spongy, and the vehicle may have difficulty braking.

During a brake fluid change procedure, the old, polluted fluid is extracted from the braking system, and new, clean brake fluid is injected. This procedure is normally carried out at regular intervals to assure the safety and dependability of a vehicle's brakes, which play an important part in maintaining good braking performance.

Why is Brake Fluid Important?

Brake fluid is essential as it is a vital part of a vehicle's braking system. Through its force distribution, the brake pedal controls how a vehicle slows down and stops accurately. The following are the primary functions of brake fluid:

• Transmitting Pressure: Since brake fluid is incompressible, it efficiently transfers pressure from the brake pedal to the brake callipers or wheel cylinders, allowing them to force the brake pads or shoes to rub against the braking rotors or drums.
• Heat Dissipation: It has a high boiling point, which prevents it from vaporizing under high braking pressures, guaranteeing the brakes work consistently and eliminating faded brakes.
• Corrosion Prevention: Brake fluid prevents rust and corrosion from damaging the braking system, ensuring the brakes' durability and dependability.

Brake fluid must be maintained regularly to guarantee its reliability, as it can collect moisture over time, reducing efficiency and causing damage to the braking system.

Why do I Need to Change my Brakes Fluid?

Changing the brake fluid is a vital maintenance task to ensure the safety and efficiency of your car. Below are a few reasons why to need to change your brake fluid:

• Brake Fluid Collects Moisture: Since brake fluid is hygroscopic, it collects moisture from the surrounding air periodically. Moisture in your brake system may cause a variety of issues involving poor braking efficiency and corrosion of brake components.
• Reduced Boiling Point: The moisture in brake fluid reduces its boiling point. When brake fluid boils, vapour bubbles can form in the brake lines. These bubbles can compress, resulting in a spongy brake pedal sensation and decreased braking effectiveness, especially when braking forcefully or for an extended period.
• Corrosion Prevention: Moisture in the braking fluid may cause corrosion throughout the braking system, including the master cylinder, callipers, wheel cylinders, and brake lines. The corrosion of these components can potentially result in braking failure.
• Improved Brake Performance: Regular change of your brake fluid helps maintain optimum brake performance. Fresh brake fluid ensures that the hydraulic pressure created when you press the brake pedal is adequately communicated to the brake callipers or wheel cylinders, providing optimum stopping force.
• Safety: Keeping your vehicle safe relies on the brakes. Keeping them in good working order is crucial for your safety and the safety of others on the road. Brake fluid replacements are necessary for your braking system for secure and efficient operation.

How to Change and Check Brake Fluid?

Checking and changing the brake fluid is a crucial element of vehicle maintenance that ensures your brakes work efficiently. Over time, brake fluid absorbs moisture and decreases braking efficacy and potential safety hazards. Following are a step-by-step process for checking and changing your brake fluid:

How to Check Brake Fluid?

Before checking into the process, check out the materials that you need for the checking process.

Tools needed to check the brake fluid in your vehicle:

• Safety goggles
• Gloves
• Clean rug or paper towels
• Owner’s manual
• Turkey baster or syringe

Step 1: Set up your workspace

Place your vehicle on a flat surface and apply the parking brake. Make sure the engine is off and the vehicle is cool. For visibility of the brake fluid reservoir, have enough illumination.

Step 2: Discover the location of the brake fluid reservoir

Locate the brake fluid reservoir by opening the hood of your vehicle, located on the driver's side, near the firewall, and labelled Brake Fluid or Brake Master Cylinder.

Step 3: Inspect the brake fluid level

The brake fluid reservoir is a translucent plastic or glass container with two different level indicators -MIN (minimum) and MAX (maximum). Compare the fluid level to these markings. The level must be around or equal to the MAX mark.

Step 4: Examine the fluid's state

Examine the brake fluid's hue. It should have a pale golden or light amber hue. If the colour seems dark brown or black, it is most certainly contaminated and must be replaced.

Step 5: Top up as needed

If the brake fluid level falls below the MIN mark, gently remove the reservoir cover, and replenish with the prescribed brake fluid until it exceeds the MAX mark. Use a clean funnel to avoid spillage.

Step 6: Install the reservoir cap

Always ensure the cap is tightly secured to avoid debris and moisture from polluting the brake fluid.

How to Change Brake Fluid?

Changing Brake Fluid is a fundamental vehicle maintenance activity, ensuring optimal braking performance and safety. Before you begin the process ensure that you have all the essential tools and safety equipment.

Below are a few tools and safety equipment that are necessary.

Tools needed to change brake fluid in your vehicle:

• Brake bleeder kit
• Jack and Jack stands
• Wrenches
• Brake fluid catch container
• Gloves

Step 1: Preparing your vehicle

Place your vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheels but avoid removing them. Use a jack to lift your vehicle and fix it as the jack allows. Remove the wheels for accessibility to the braking components.

Step 2: Look for the brake bleeding valves

Determine the location of the brake bleeder vents on each brake calliper or wheel cylinder. These are little brass-coloured screws found on brake components.

Step 3: Begin with the brake that is farthest away from the master cylinder.

To establish the brake bleeding sequence, consult your owner's handbook. You should begin with the brake furthest away from the master cylinder before working your way closer.

Step 4: Bleed the Braking System

The brake bleeder kit is connected to the valve and stored in a catch container. Open the bleeder valve and have someone push the brake pedal while you open the valve. Fluid and air will be expelled. Close the valve and let your assistant release the brake pedal when it reaches the floor. Repeat until clean fluid flows freely without air bubbles. During this procedure, top up the brake fluid reservoir as needed.

Step 5: Do this for each brake

Continue bleeding the next brake in sequence until all four brakes are bled.

Step 6: Examine and adjust the fluid level

After bleeding all brakes, verify the brake fluid reservoir and top it up to the “MAX” mark as needed.

Step 7: Reassemble and test the system

Replace the wheels, lower your vehicle, and tighten the lug nuts. Pump the brake pedal numerous times to guarantee good braking action. Double check the brake fluid before driving.

FAQs on Brake Fluid Change

1. How long does a brake fluid change take?

Ans: A brake fluid replacement normally takes 30 minutes to an hour; however, the duration might vary based on the vehicle and the technique employed. If there are issues or if you are performing it yourself, it might take longer.

2. How often should I change brake fluid?

Ans: Brake fluid should be replaced every 2 to 3 years, or as directed by your owner's handbook. However, it is important to consult your manual for specific recommendations as maintenance intervals can vary.

3. Where is the brake fluid reservoir located?

Ans: The brake reservoir is often located on or near the master cylinder, which can be found on the driver's side of the engine compartment, near the firewall.

4. How to check Brakes?

Ans: Listen for screaming or grinding noises, feel for changes in brake pedal hardness, and keep an eye out for warning lights on the dashboard when inspecting the brakes. If any problems are discovered, get your brakes checked by a professional.

5. How to put in brake fluid?

Ans: To add brake fluid, find the reservoir, unscrew the cover, and pour in the specified brake fluid type until the MAX or Full line is reached. Avoid spilling or mixing several types of brake fluid.

6. How much should a brake fluid change cost in the UK?

Ans: The cost of changing brake fluid varies based on the garage or service provider. A brake fluid replacement in the UK typically costs between £50 - £100. However, pricing could vary depending on location, the type of braking fluid used, and other considerations.

7. What happens if you don’t change the brake fluid?

Ans: If you do not change your brake fluid on a regular basis, you may experience a reduction in braking performance, a greater likelihood of brake system corrosion, and potential braking system failure. Contaminated or outdated brake fluid can potentially harm costly brake components.

8. What are the different types of brake fluid?

Ans: There are several types of braking fluid, the most prevalent of which being DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1. Because each kind has unique qualities and compatibility, it is critical to utilize the type advised by the maker of your vehicle.

9. How to check brake fluid level?

Ans: The brake fluid reservoir is often a transparent plastic or glass container with two indications MIN and MAX levels. Examine the fluid level in relation to these indications. The level should be close to or equal to the MAX mark.

10. Is it possible for me to replace the brake fluid by myself?

Ans: Yes, if you’re familiar with general automobile maintenance, you can replace the brake fluid by yourself. If you are doubtful or unskilled, it is best to get it carried out by a professional technician.

Conclusion:

Regular brake fluid changes are an important part of your vehicle maintenance that should not be disregarded. Keeping your brake fluid clean and at the proper amount is critical for the safety and operation of your brakes. Neglecting this crucial activity might result in braking system problems, reduced stopping force, and hazardous driving scenarios.

To ensure complete coverage for brake-related repairs and other unforeseen repair expenses, it is wise to consider a Extended car warranty from Warranty Direct. As we understand the importance of maintaining the vehicle's condition, we provide a more enjoyable and secure journey with our comprehensive coverage plans.

Remember, well-maintained brakes and having a reliable car warranty in hand, make your journey more secure while safeguarding your investment.