Brakes are one of the most important elements of any car–they are what safely bring your car to a stop. And without brake fluid, brakes do not work. But what exactly does brake fluid do? And what happens if you do not change the brake fluid?
Brake Fluid Basics
What does brake fluid do and why is it so important? Brakes are a hydraulic system, meaning it functions by having liquid released into a confined space and applying pressure. In the case of a car, the liquid is brake fluid and your brakes won’t work without it.
When you press on your brakes you are releasing brake fluid that passes through hoses connected to the calipers, where the brake pads and pistons are located. Calipers are responsible for engaging the brake pads, which then apply pressure to the rotor. The rotor, also known as disc brakes, is connected to each wheel and the pressure generated creates friction that slows the rotor and by extension your wheels. All of that is to say without brake fluid, the first step, nothing else will happen.
Common Concerns
What happens if you don’t change the brake fluid? Over time, brake fluid absorbs water and water is your worst enemy because it causes two major problems. The first risk is that it will cause rust or gunk to build up. This can block the small passages in brake lines or hoses and cause the brakes to work improperly or drag, causing further damage to the hardware in your brakes.
The second concern is the fact that water has a much lower boiling point than brake fluid. Braking creates friction to slow your car, it also creates heat. That heat is hot enough to boil water causing bubbles and gas. Gas is compressible, which means when you apply pressure it does little to nothing. Your brakes will feel musty and unresponsive.
If the mechanic spots a leak, take care of it immediately. It’s also important to make sure the brake fluid is checked on periodically.
Changing Brake Fluid
So how often should you change it? The answer varies, but thankfully most car manufacturers have brake fluid replacement requirements that will tell you exactly what’s best for you. For the average driver, it’s usually every other year but for high-performance vehicles, it might be every six weeks while race cars change it out before every race. It boils down to how hard you are on your brakes.
Can you change the brake fluid yourself? The short answer is yes. However, you should have some previous experience working on cars. You’ll also want to make sure that you are educated on the process by either reading a repair manual or watching a tutorial beforehand. Pay extra attention to the brake bleeding process and the type of brake fluid for your car. The process itself isn’t hard but it’s important to make sure it’s done correctly.
If unsure, take it to the professionals. Brakes are the most fundamental safety system, you don’t want to compromise it.
Types of Brake Fluid
Brakes aren’t fancy but they need to be taken care of. There are premium brake fluids out there but all you really need to have the best working brakes is clean fluid that is changed regularly.
There are three main types of brake fluid: DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5. DOT 3 and DOT 4 are both glycol-based, though DOT 4 has additives that give it an increased boiling point but requires more frequent changes. DOT 5 is silicon-based and doesn’t absorb water. It is also much more expensive.
The choice for you is easy—always stick with what’s recommended for your car. If you are using your own reservoir, only use it from a fresh container. Brake fluid starts to go bad once opened, but in an unopened container, it will last for about two years. It’s also important to never blend different types.
Brakes are essential for every drive. They keep us safe. And brake fluids are essential for brakes. At Brakes 4 Less, we’ll perform brake repair services that make sure your brake fluid is clean and your brakes are running smoothly all in a timely manner with affordable prices. Call us today at 866-588-7867.
