Don’t be like many drivers who wait until their brakes stop working to have repairs done. If you are smart, or simply want to keep yourself and your loved ones safe, you should know all the best practices in taking care of your brakes. One brake service that tends to get overlooked is brake fluid service.
Like your motor oil, brake fluid can get dirty and become less effective. While it may not seem a big deal to avoid your mechanic’s recommendation on changing your brake fluid, it can come back and haunt you down the line. Brake fluid exchanges are recommended every 30,000 miles, give or take. This fluid should be clean and topped for your brakes to work correctly. When you leave dirty brake fluid in your fluid lines for too long, it can cause rust, corrosion, and leaks.
5 Signs That Indicate You Need to Flush Your Brake Fluid
- Spongy brake pedal
- Odd noises while braking
- Burning smell
- Overall decrease in brake effectiveness
- ABS light comes on
How to Check Your Brake Fluid
Another way to tell if you need brake fluid service is by checking the brake fluid yourself. To do so, open your car’s hood and look for a translucent reservoir. The cap may say DOT on it. Since the container is clear, you can examine the fluid without opening the lid. The fluid should be clear and have a slight yellow tint to it. If it is dark or low, please bring your car to a local auto repair shop ASAP.
If your brake fluid requires a flush, we welcome you to come by Space Center Automotive of Clear Lake. Please call or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment today.