One of the essential car fluids is the brake fluid as it provides the pressure required for braking force. Most importantly, the brake fluid protects the components in a braking system and ensures their optimal performance. However, with time the brake fluid can burn out or get contaminated, hindering the braking performance. To avoid this issue, it is important to perform brake fluid flushing at regular intervals. Here we will discuss what brake fluid flush is and how to perform it, along with the signs of bad brake fluid.
What Is a Brake Fluid Flush and Why Is a Brake Fluid Flush Important?
A car’s braking system is composed of many components. Among them, brake fluid is necessary for your car brakes to work efficiently. This fluid can get contaminated over time as small rubber pieces from the braking system or debris land in it. As the fluid contaminates, it becomes less effective, affecting the braking performance. Moreover, the brake fluid is hygroscopic, it absorbs moisture and loses effectiveness. This is where the brake fluid flush comes into play.
A brake fluid flush involves replacing the older fluid with a fresh one. Essentially, getting your brake fluid flushed is recommended as part of a regular car maintenance checklist. It should be done every 40,000 kilometres or 2 years, or earlier as per the car manufacturer’s recommendation.
How to Flush Brake Fluid
Although, flushing your brake fluid is an easy task but if you are an amateur at car repair tasks, it is recommended to get it done by a mechanic. If you decide to do the task yourself, use a good quality brake fluid. Here is a step-by-step process on how to flush your brake fluid.
1. Empty Old Brake Fluid
The first step to flush your brake fluid is to drain all the old fluid from the reservoir. This step must be performed with the engine switched off and zero pressure on the brake pedal.
Since there is no drain plug in the reservoir, you will need a transfer or a siphon pump to drain the fluid. In case you don’t have one, simply use a large syringe to remove the fluid until the reservoir is empty.
2. Fill the Reservoir with the Fluid and Bleed
The next step is to fill the reservoir with clean, fresh brake fluid. When doing so, make sure that outside air does not infiltrate the brake fluid or it will ultimately damage the braking system. Once the reservoir is filled to the optimal level, bleed the car brakes.
3. Top Off the Fluid and Take a Test Drive
When you are done bleeding the braking system, again check the reservoir of brake fluid and top it off. Before you head out on a longer route, take a short test drive. It is best to test the brakes in an open, uninhabited space to check if the braking system is working properly before taking out your car in traffic.
5 Symptoms Showing Your Car Is Due for a Brake Fluid Flush
Once the brake fluid starts deteriorating, it can be detected by certain symptoms that your car begins to show. The following are the common symptoms showing that your car is due for a brake fluid flush.
ABS light activates
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) prevents wheels from locking and the car from skidding when car brakes are applied. Almost all new cars are equipped with ABS and have a
dedicated spot for a warning light on the car’s dashboard. This warning light is triggered when the braking system malfunctions. It is also triggered due to a low level or contamination of brake fluid.
Bouncy or Spongy Brake Pedal
A brake fluid flush is also recommended when your brake pedal starts to feel spongy or bouncy when you push it. If left untreated for a long time, the brake pedal could go all the way to the floor, requiring more force to stop a car. This is one of the common car brake problems and shows how necessary is a brake fluid flush.
Moreover, low brake fluid can cause air to infiltrate the brake lines. It prevents fluid from flowing properly through the braking system, eventually reducing its performance. For that reason, you can flush your brake fluid and maintain its level with a fresher one.
Ineffective Braking Performance
Typically when you press the brake pedal, the brakes respond effectively and stop your car on spot. Any delay or difficulty in stopping the vehicle indicates an ineffective braking performance. Such issues are a common sign that your car needs a brake fluid replacement.
Nevertheless, performance issues with the braking system can be due to warped brake rotors, damaged brake pads or wear of any other braking component. In such situations, it is recommended to get your braking system inspected by a professional.
Odd Smell or Noise Upon Braking
An issue with the braking system can be detected with an odd grinding noise from the car. It is possibly due to worn-out braking components or low or bad brake fluid. On the other hand, a burning smell from the car can indicate burnt-out brake fluid. For that reason, you should pull over your car in a safe spot and let it cool down. It is recommended to seek help from an automotive expert.
Less Mileage
Contaminated or less brake fluid in the reservoir can impact the overall car performance. A bad brake fluid reduces the effectiveness of the braking system and can cause its various components to deteriorate over time. This in turn decreases the car’s output. For that reason, a brake fluid flush is required to replace the contaminated fluid for optimal car performance.
This is all about brake fluid flush and the process of doing it. Most people do not pay enough heed to brake fluid or brake maintenance in general. The aforementioned symptoms can help you detect a deteriorating brake fluid. When it happens, make sure to flush your brake fluid and replace the older one. However, if the damage to the braking system is beyond repair, you should consider switching to another car. Explore these used cars for sale in the UAE and have your ideal pick.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s leading auto blog for more information on car parts and accessories.
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