We pay attention not only to mandatory car accessories, but also to those that, although not…
Brake fluid – why and how often should it be replaced?
(photo: pixabay)
One of the basic and most important systems that cars now have in abundance is, of course, the braking system. The engine may be a more or less functional component, the suspension may also be in better or worse condition, but even the best car cannot forgive faults in the braking system. It's true that there are models so intelligent that you can't even get into the car if something is wrong with it. However, most people drive on the roads in simpler cars, the condition of which you need to take care of yourself. Anyone who understands how important it is to have a fully functional and properly functioning braking system will not only be able to monitor its functionality on an ongoing basis, but also react appropriately when necessary.
How does a classic braking system work?
The principle of operation of the braking system is very simple. Generally speaking, when you press the brake pedal, it pushes the brake caliper pistons, which push against the brake pads. They then apply pressure to the brake discs or, in some models, to the shoes with brake linings. Friction is created and the vehicle brakes. This is what it looks like in a very simple theory. Of course, there are other systems along the way that support the braking process. A very important element, the medium between the brake pedal and the brake pad, is the brake fluid.
If the brake system is tight, there is no possibility of brake fluid leaking. Fluid leaking is dangerous. The free space in the fluid is then taken up by air, which is unsuitable for braking. Unlike brake fluid, it is compressible. Therefore, if the braking system is in good working order and the brake pads or discs are changed periodically, the car user's only task is to add brake fluid. He also cannot forget about its periodic replacement. In fact, we don't have much else to do with a functioning braking system.
Some people, seeing that their car has a full brake fluid reservoir, think that everything is fine. This is not necessarily the case, because it is not only maintaining the level and adding brake fluid that are so important. It is equally important to replace it periodically.
Replacing brake fluid – what and how?
Like any fluid in a car, so and brake fluid wears out and requires periodic replacement. When is brake fluid replacement necessary? If the braking system were a system that did not allow any air or water to enter over time, the time between brake fluid changes could be significantly extended. Then the replacement would only be related to its aging. As a rule, any fluid will eventually begin to lose its properties that define its purpose in the car. The same is true with brake fluid. You should know that brake fluid has highly hygroscopic properties. Each time you open the reservoir to add fluid, microscopic water particles get inside and into the brake lines.
How often should brake fluid be replaced?
Few people know exactly how often to change the brake fluid. At most, they do it when they have had the car long enough to decide to do it, unless they actually know a thing or two about changing the fluid. The standard rule is that the brake fluid should be completely replaced every 2 years. However, there are models, mainly older ones, in which the manufacturer recommended changing the fluid every 4 years. Currently, it is 2 years old, and it significantly affects the safety of the car user and the people he transports, knowing that he has "fresh" fluid in it. To replace the fluid, it is best to replace it at a service center or a mechanical workshop. Trained and qualified people will not only replace the entire fluid, but also properly bleed the brake system and return the car in fully operational condition.
How much does it cost to replace brake fluid and what products should I use?
In fact, only true fans of their four wheels know what kind of brake fluid is contained in the braking system of their vehicles. They also know the total cost of replacing brake fluid. Each car manufacturer specifies in its documentation what type of brake fluid was used. You should stick to this, because not every type of fluid, although it works the same, will be suitable for any braking system.
When replenishing brake fluid deficiencies, you need to purchase a dedicated fluid. You can usually buy it at gas stations for less than PLN 20 for a half-liter bottle. However, the cost of replacing the entire fluid at a mechanic depends on the workshop, but on average it is just over PLN 100, including the fluid and the service of bleeding the brake system.
Therefore, it is worth always having a small bottle in your vehicle, which you can use to top up the so-called brake fluid if necessary, because maintaining the proper level of brake fluid will prevent the driver from being exposed to tiring "beeping" and "blinking" sounds on the dashboard.
