How To Change Brake Fluid in a Vehicle ‐ student lesson

Brake fluid is one of your car’s braking system’s most crucial components. This part of the braking system shouldn’t be disregarded because it allows force to be applied to the brakes when you depress the brake pedal, enabling your car to slow down and stop. Furthermore, brake fluids protect against corrosion, withstand high brake temperatures, and resist moisture that can result in vapor lock brake failure. Nevertheless, brake fluid should be changed every two years.

Well, in this article, we will get to discuss the answers to the following questions:

How can you change brake fluid?
What are the signs and symptoms that it’s time for a brake fluid change?
How often should you change your brake fluid?
Is it safe to drive a car with low or contaminated brake fluid?
What does a brake fluid change cost?
How long does it take to change brake fluid?

Ok, let’s get to it.

Contents

How can you change brake fluid?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to change brake fluid:

Gather necessary tools and materials:

You will need a brake fluid bleeder tool, fresh brake fluid, and a catch container for the old fluid in order to change the brake fluid. You’ll also need rags or paper towels for cleaning.

Locate the brake fluid reservoir:

This is typically located close to the brake master cylinder and is commonly marked with a “brake fluid” label. However, before continuing, make sure that your vehicle is parked on level ground and that the engine is not running.

Drain the old brake fluid:

Remove the cap from the brake fluid reservoir and use the brake fluid bleeder tool to bleed the brake system by opening the bleeder valves found on each brake caliper or wheel cylinder. This will drain the old brake fluid. Then collect the old brake fluid in the catch container.

Change the brake fluid:

After draining all of the old brake fluid, clean the reservoir with a rag or paper towel, then fill it with fresh brake fluid. Use only the type of brake fluid that is recommended in the owner’s manual of your vehicle.

Test the brakes:

It’s crucial to test the brakes after changing the brake fluid to make sure they are functioning properly. When testing the brakes, drive the car and make sure they are responsive and not spongy. Your brake fluid change is complete if everything seems normal.

What are the signs and symptoms that it’s time for a brake fluid change or flush?

Here are the most common signs and symptoms that you’re due for a brake fluid change:

ABS dashboard light

You may have a problem with your anti-lock braking system if the ABS dashboard light is on. In order to prevent skids and maintain traction, this system prevents your wheels from locking up during braking. The ABS system is automatically engaged when the brake fluid level drops to help maintain your car’s ability to stop safely.

Ineffective Braking Performance

To keep you safe in an emergency, your brakes ought to be quick and responsive. Your brakes need to be serviced if you have any delays or problems slowing down or stopping your car.

These problems can indicate that you need to flush your brake fluid. Warped rotors, worn brake pads, or a problem with another brake system component are some additional potential culprits.

Another potential cause of ineffective braking is an underlying issue, such as deteriorated tire tread or worn shocks or struts. A professional can examine your braking system and inform you of the necessary repairs to improve brake performance.

A Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal

Does the brake pedal seem spongy, soft, or even bouncy when you depress it? Do you have to stop and slow down your vehicle by pressing the brake pedal all the way to the floor? You need to change your brake fluid if this is the case.

Air will enter the gaps in your brake line when the brake fluid level drops, resulting in soft brakes. It can be unnerving and dangerous to drive with spongy brake pedals, especially if you don’t have them fixed right away.

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Unusual noises or smells when braking

If you hear odd noises as you brake, there may not be enough brake fluid in the system, or there may be some other issue. Common noises include grinding or scraping sounds.

If you smell burning odors after hard braking, your brake fluid may have burned out. In this situation, you should stop your car in a secure area and give it some time to cool down.

To get advice and arrange a service visit, you should also call a nearby mechanic. More serious problems, such as brake failure, could result from driving with burned brake fluid.

How often should you change your brake fluid?

Brake fluid should be changed every 2-3 years, or every 25,000–40,000 miles. This is due to the fact that brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it gradually collects moisture from the air. This could result in brake system corrosion and a drop in the boiling point of the fluid, which would make the brakes less effective.

Likewise, if you notice a change in the color of the brake fluid, like it becoming darker, it’s a good sign that it’s time to replace it. The manufacturer’s recommended interval to change brake fluid can be seen in the owner’s manual of your car. Additionally, it’s a good idea to include brake fluid changes as part of your routine maintenance.

Is it safe to drive a car with low or contaminated brake fluid?

Driving a car with low or tainted brake fluid is risky. Low brake fluid levels can lead to brake system malfunctions, which will result in poor braking power and longer stopping distances. The brake system’s components may corrode as a result of contaminated brake fluid, which could result in brake failure. Driving a car with low or contaminated brake fluid has the potential to cause collisions, injuries, or even deaths. To ensure your vehicle’s safety and effective operation, it’s critical to frequently inspect and repair the brake system.

What does a brake fluid change cost?

Generally speaking, the price can range anywhere between $50 and $150, but it can also be higher or lower depending on the factors affecting it. The make and model of the vehicle, the type of brake fluid needed, and the location where the service is being performed can all affect the cost to change the brake fluid. For a more precise estimate, it is recommended to speak with a certified mechanic or dealership.

How long does it take to change brake fluid?

The vehicle and the person performing the task will affect the time it takes to change brake fluid. The brake fluid change may take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, on average. This entails bleeding the brakes to make sure that all of the old fluid has been drained and that the new fluid is being properly circulated through the system.

FAQs

Can I change the brake fluid myself?

Brake fluid should be changed by a person with professional skills, unlike many straightforward maintenance tasks that are do-it-yourself options.

Do you really need to change brake fluid?

Following the recommendations of the manufacturer is the best way to figure out how often to change brake fluid. According to certain manufacturers, brake fluid needs to be changed every two years. Others advise every three years or every 45,000 miles.

What happens if the brake fluid is not changed?

Your car’s ability to brake decreases significantly when the brake fluid isn’t changed, which results in poor braking performance. Most of the time, all it takes is a quick push on the brake pedal to know whether your brake fluid is about to fail. If it feels excessively spongy, it probably has.

Can you just change brake fluid without bleeding?

Yes, you can complete this process without bleeding since it is not necessary. Bleeding is not necessary when simply checking the fluid level.

What happens when brake fluid is black?

Signs of highly contaminated brake fluid are its black or brown color. In such a situation, the brake system’s capacity to build pressure is reduced, which will impact how well the brakes work. The brakes may become spongy if the brake fluid is contaminated.

How long does brake fluid last?

Brake fluid loses effectiveness as it collects moisture. Because of this, changing brake fluid every two years is recommended. However, one of the maintenance items that drivers frequently overlook is brake fluid. Brake fluid is rarely changed before it becomes defective.

How do you know if your brake fluid is burned out?

Burnt-out brake fluid may be the cause of burning odors after hard braking. In this case, you ought to stop your car in a secure area so that it has time to cool. Additionally, speak with a nearby mechanic to get advice and arrange for a service appointment.

What color should brake fluid be?

Normally, it is a light yellow color, but as it ages, it turns brown. Knowing the color of brake fluid, you can identify a leak if you notice it under your car near the wheel wells.

How do you know if you need a brake fluid flush?

The brake fluid is stained and dark in color.
It’s hard to stop your car.
The brake pedal has a soft feeling.
Brake fluid levels are low.
The check engine light illuminates.

That is all for this article, where we discuss the answers to the following questions:

How can you change brake fluid?
What are the signs and symptoms that it’s time for a brake fluid change?
How often should you change your brake fluid?
Is it safe to drive a car with low or contaminated brake fluid?
What does a brake fluid change cost?
How long does it take to change brake fluid?

I hope you learn a lot from the reading. If you do, kindly share it with others. Thanks for reading; see you around!

How to change brake fluid