Why Brake Fluid Change Service is a Must for Your Car’s Safety and Performance?

brake fluid change - auto car repair

A brake fluid change service is a critical step to keep your brakes reliable and your car responsive.

Most drivers take care of oil changes and tire rotations but overlook brake fluid. Changing brake fluid is crucial to maintain braking efficiency, prevent brake failure, and protect components from corrosion. It ensures safety by preserving optimal hydraulic pressure and reducing moisture contamination.

Find below the importance of brake fluid change service. 

What is Brake Fluid Change?

A brake fluid change involves draining the old brake fluid from the vehicle’s brake system and replacing it with fresh fluid. This process ensures optimal hydraulic pressure, preventing brake failure and protecting components from corrosion. Regular brake fluid changes maintain braking efficiency, enhance safety, and extend the lifespan of the braking system.

What are the Benefits of Brake Fluid Change Service?

Find below the various benefits of brake fluid change:

  • Enhanced Safety and Brake Performance
    Brake fluid transfers force from your brake pedal to the brake components. Fresh brake fluid maintains consistent pressure and optimal braking performance. Over time, old fluid becomes contaminated and can absorb moisture, leading to reduced braking efficiency. 

Regular brake fluid change ensures your car brakes respond quickly and effectively preventing accidents by maintaining the shortest possible stopping distances and reliable pedal feel.

  • Protection Against Corrosion
    Fresh brake fluid contains corrosion inhibitors that protect vital brake system components like calipers, wheel cylinders, and brake lines. As brake fluid ages, these inhibitors break down, leaving metal parts vulnerable to rust and corrosion. 

When moisture accumulates in old fluid, it accelerates corrosion, potentially leading to expensive repairs. Regular brake fluid changes maintain this protective barrier, extending the life of your brake system components.

  • Prevention of Brake System Failure
    Old brake fluid can become contaminated with rubber particles from seals and metal particles from corroded components. This contamination can clog brake lines and damage seals, potentially leading to complete brake system failure. 

Additionally, moisture in old brake fluid can boil under heavy braking, creating vapor bubbles that cause a spongy brake pedal and reduced braking power. Fresh fluid eliminates these risks and ensure smooth braking performance.

  • Cost Savings in Long-term Maintenance
    Regular brake fluid changes are relatively inexpensive compared to replacing major brake components. By maintaining clean fluid, you prevent damage to expensive parts like master cylinders, calipers, and ABS units. These components can be quite costly to replace. Preventive maintenance through regular brake fluid changes helps avoid these costly repairs and extends the overall lifespan of your brake system.
  • Improved Vehicle Resale Value
    Well-maintained brake systems contribute to higher resale values. Service records showing regular brake fluid changes demonstrate responsible ownership and proper maintenance. This documentation can make your vehicle more attractive to potential buyers and command a better price. Additionally, clean brake fluid helps maintain the proper function of modern safety features like ABS and stability control systems, which are important selling points.

Regular brake fluid change is an important part of your car maintenance schedule. It ensures brake performance and overall safety on the road.

Signs Your Car Needs a Brake Fluid Change Service

One important aspect of brake maintenance is regularly changing the brake fluid. Here are some signs that indicate your car may need a brake fluid change service:

1. Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal

If you notice that the brake pedal feels spongy or soft when you press it, this can be a sign of air or moisture in the brake lines. Contaminated or old brake fluid can affect the hydraulic pressure, resulting in a less responsive brake pedal.

2. Delayed Brake Response

A delayed response when applying the brakes is a clear indication that something is not right. Fresh brake fluid ensures that your car brakes engage promptly. If there’s a noticeable lag, it might be time to replace the brake fluid.

3. Brake Warning Light

Modern vehicles are equipped with sensors that monitor the brake system. If the brake warning light on your dashboard illuminates, it could mean low brake fluid levels or a more serious issue. It’s essential to check the brake fluid and address any potential problems immediately.

4. Visible Fluid Contamination

Inspect the brake fluid reservoir periodically. If the fluid appears dark, dirty, or has particles floating in it, it’s time for a change. Clean brake fluid should be clear or slightly yellowish.

5. Unusual Noises

If you hear unusual noises like grinding, squealing, or screeching when braking, it could indicate that the brake fluid is contaminated or that other components of the brake system need attention. 

6. Burning Smell

A burning smell after continuous braking, especially during downhill drives, can indicate overheated brake fluid. Overheating reduces the effectiveness of the brake fluid, necessitating a change to maintain optimal braking performance.

It is generally recommended to avail of brake fluid change service every two years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. 

Book your car service at Auto Car Repair (myTVS)

The multi-brand car service center is dedicated to providing car repair and maintenance services. Their expert technicians use the latest technology and equipment to diagnose and repair different car issues. They are committed to delivering quality service with complete customer satisfaction.

Book your car service today!