How to Check Brake Fluid

How to Check Brake Fluid at Stanley Ford Eastland

If your brakes fail when driving, it can become a matter of life and death. It is vital to your safety and to that of your loved ones and passengers in other vehicles that you don’t neglect checking your brakes to ensure they are functioning properly. Inspect your brake pads to ensure they are in good shape and not worn down, and check your brake fluid to be sure you have an adequate fluid level. At Stanley Ford Eastland, we care about your safety, and to ensure that your brakes are in the best condition possible, we offer brake service in our service department near Cisco, Ranger, and Eastland.

What Is Brake Fluid?

Your brakes operate off a hydraulic system, meaning they need fluid to stop effectively. Brake fluid also prevents your brake system’s components from becoming corroded. There are different kinds of brake fluid. Usually brake fluid is glycol-ether based, but there are some vehicles that use mineral oil and silicone-based brake fluid. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will tell you which brake fluid works for your vehicle. It is important to use what your manufacturer recommends, or your brake system can be damaged, which can jeopardize you and your family’s safety and create an unnecessary expense with repairs.

Does Brake Fluid Need to Be Changed?

Checking your brake fluid should be a regular practice to help maintain your vehicle. Most auto manufacturers recommend flushing and changing your brake fluid every three to five years, or about every 45,000 miles. Like the oil and transmission fluid, your brake fluid may need to be replaced more frequently, depending on the wear and tear of your vehicle. There are also other situations that can shorten the effectiveness of the brake fluid:

• Excessive heat: Brake fluid, if not maintained properly, can be damaged by the heat generated from your traction control system and your anti-lock braking system, which in turn can damage the components of your brake system.
• Contaminated fluid: As your brakes are used over time, tiny particles can build up in the lines and in the system in general. These particles can slowly damage the system, which is why it is important to replace the fluid from time to time.
• Too much moisture: Some brake fluids can attract moisture, which can cause corrosion throughout the system.

Checking Brake Fluid

Your owner’s manual details how to check your brake fluid, but the basics are as follows:

Locate Reservoir

Beneath the hood, find the master cylinder. The fluid reservoir should be on top of it. It is usually a small white or clear plastic tank.

Level of Fluid

When you remove the brake fluid dipstick, there will be a couple of lines on the stick. One should say “MIN” for minimum, and the other should say “MAX” for maximum. Your fluid level should be between these lines.

Color of Fluid

Check the color of your fluid, which should be clear with a yellowish tinge or a clear reddish tint. If the fluid is brown or black, it needs to be changed, and you should contact Stanley Ford Eastland for an appointment.