Regularly checking your cars’ brake fluid levels, should be one of the most important checks you do on a weekly basis, at the very least, a fortnightly basis.
But if you’ve never checked your brake fluid levels, had to replace your brake fluid, or even know what brake fluid is, then this guide is for you as we delve into the importance of brake fluid and give you all the information you need to know.
What Brake Fluid Is
Brake fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid that is used to keep your cars’ breaks in good working order. And it’s important to check your cars’ brake fluid levels in case you have to replace the brakes, replace the brake fluid or worse – if you take it to a Lindleys Autocentres and find out that you have corrosion in the braking system.
Brake fluid protects the metals that are used inside components such as braking calipers, ABS control valves and cylinders and is important for many reasons.
It’s quite easy to keep on top of such checks, following the vehicle manufacturers’ handbook or even conducting a simple Google search will walk you through the steps on checking your brake fluid levels and how to top it up if it’s running low. In most cases, your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends using a certain type of brake fluid which is important to follow as this is manufacturer standard for your vehicle.
A common question is why does brake fluid deteriorate? The reason is because brake fluid contains hygroscopic properties which, over time, absorbs moisture and begins to have a negative impact on your cars’ performance, this is why it’s important to regularly check your brake fluid levels.
Importance of Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is important in any vehicle as it plays a crucial role in your braking system. When you brake, the brake fluid transfers the force you create when you push down on the brake pedal and in turn, this causes your vehicle to come to a stop.
Moisture can affect the performance of brake fluid level in your car, this is why corrosion inhibitors, also known as additives, are added to the fluid to prevent moisture from causing corrosion in the braking.
Keeping your brake fluid topped up and working correctly takes away any concern that your cars’ brakes won’t work. It’s important to note that while your car will work without brake fluid oil, it will not perform properly and you will be driving at a high risk, it is not recommended by us or more than likely by your cars’ manufacturer.
Manufacturers recommend that you replace your brake fluid every two years but it’s worth checking your vehicle manufacturers handbook as it could be sooner.
It may be that you actually have low brake fluid due to a leak, in which case book your car in for a brake inspection as soon as possible as this could interfere with your braking ability.
It’s important to remember that when it comes to your cars’ braking system, you want to get your car booked in as soon as possible for a full inspection or service, don’t take any chances when it comes to your cars’ brakes, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Is Your Car Ready For A Brake Fluid Check?
Here at Lindleys Autocentres as part of our free brake check, we can help you to check the levels of your brake fluid, we also carry out a full brake inspection to alert you of any other issues regarding your cars’ braking system.
We may find out that it might not just be a brake fluid issue and that you may need your brakes replacing altogether, we can advise and book you in for a braking system repair or change, just give us a call to book an appointment over the phone.
