Most of us don’t give our car’s braking system much thought. Generally, we think of pressing on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. But your car’s braking system is complicated and requires each component in the braking system to work together to stop on command. One of the vital components of a car braking system is its brake fluids.
Brake fluid is the liquid chemical solution used in a hydraulic braking system. This liquid is responsible for transferring the force applied on your brake pedal to pressure on your car’s brakes. Without this brake fluid, your vehicle would not be able to stop or slow as seamlessly as it does. Cronulla Sutherland Automatics provides regular checks and replacement services for your brake fluid to ensure you have a safe driving experience.
Why do you need to change your brake fluid?
Brake fluid is engineered to be of a specific viscosity or thickness. This thickness is vital in ensuring that the liquid is incompressible. Due to its chemical composition, brake fluid quickly absorbs moisture when exposed to air. As the brake fluid ages and moisture binds to the fluid, the brake fluid’s boiling point becomes lower, allowing the fluid to compress easily. This compression means that the fluid is thinner, making it more challenging to work the brakes when you step on the pedal.
Brake fluid is also essential to change as the moisture absorbed by the brake fluid can internally corrode parts of your braking system. By regularly flushing the brake fluid, you protect all the vital internal components of your braking system, including the callipers, brake lines and the master cylinder. Cronulla Sutherland Automatics offers regular flushing and replacing of brake fluid if needed.
How often should you replace your brake fluid?
Generally, manufacturers recommend changing your brake fluid every two years, regardless of your car’s mileage. This is to avoid any moisture accumulating in the brake fluid. Your brake fluid may look perfectly fine on the outside, but this moisture build-up occurs on a microscopic level, meaning that you cannot see any change in the look of the fluid. A good rule of thumb is to get your fluid checked by a professional mechanic every time you change your car’s oil.
Signs that your brake fluid needs replacing
If your brake fluid isn’t clear
Brake fluid is typically stored in a translucent plastic vessel, allowing you to inspect your brake fluid without removing the cap. Brake fluid should always be clear and have no dirt or murkiness.
If your ABS light comes on
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) is designed to stop your wheels from locking up during braking. This system helps prevent your car from skidding and ensures it maintains traction when driving. When your brake fluid gets low, your ABS light appears to help keep your vehicle’s brake system healthy.
If your brakes become soft to press
Low brake fluid causes air to fill the gaps in your brake line. As a result, your brakes become soft and bouncy to press, requiring you to push the brakes with more force when stopping the vehicle. This weaker responsiveness can be especially dangerous when you need to stop out on the road suddenly. If your brakes begin to feel soft and bouncy when pressed, call Cronulla Sutherland Automatics to receive our experienced advice and top class brake fluid services.
What to do when you realise your brake fluid needs to be changed
Your car’s brake fluid is one of the essential components of safe driving and cannot be left untreated. As soon as you realise that your brake fluids need replacing, book a service with us at Cronulla Sutherland Automatics. As part of a general service, we can check the quality of your brake fluid and replace the brake fluid if needed.
Cronulla Sutherland Automatics is an Authorised Repairer for the Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers (IAME) and an accredited member with the Motor Vehicles Repair Industry Authority and the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders of Australasia (ATRA).