“Is a brake fluid flush really necessary?”
The short answer is yes. Your braking system relies on the hydraulic fluid to amplify your foot’s pressure on the pedal. This is what allows you to stop a heavy, fast-moving vehicle with minimal effort. Your brake fluid requires regular service to maintain this performance.
Why Brake Fluid Flushes are Important
Your brakes tend to face three primary problems, which comprehensively lead to necessary brake fluid flushes:
- The braking process generates heat, which breaks down and wears away at your brake fluid.
- This process leaves moisture behind, which can cause your brakes to rust.
- Particles of debris, rubber, and metal can contaminate the solution over time.
If left unattended, these issues can lead to reduced brake performance and, eventually, brake failure.
When Do I Need a Brake Fluid Change?
Corrosion and rust can cause structural damage to your braking system, leading to costly repairs. Regular brake fluid service can prevent these deeper system issues from occurring. Brake fluid flushes are typically recommended every 30,000 miles or 2 years, depending on your driving and braking patterns. Your vehicle year, make, and model may also affect your brake fluid flush cadence. Consider consulting your owner’s manual or speaking with your Service Advisor for further insight.
There are also some symptoms that could indicate your car’s brake fluid may need to be flushed and replaced with new fluid. The first symptom is if the brake pedal needs to be pressed harder than usual. Another one would be if the pedal needs to be pressed more than one time to stop the vehicle. Both of these can be a sign of low fluid levels.
A few more symptoms of a braking issue are if the dashboard brake light is on, if there is a clear or brown liquid leaking under your car, and if the fluid level in the reservoir is below the minimum line. It is important that you are aware of these issues and to get your vehicle checked out to see if the fluid needs to be replaced. This is necessary to ensure safety and to avoid an accident that can be caused by a car not stopping properly.
The flushing process involves removing the old fluid that may be dirty or ineffective and replace it with new fluid. This maintenance can prevent issues from arising and keep the brake system running smoothly.
Get your car checked out or brakes flushed at Hillside Auto Repair, where our certified service technicians are waiting to help with any maintenance or repairs you need. We are The Professionals You Can Trust!