How Often Should I Change My Brake Fluid?
When it comes to all of the maintenance items to keep track of, the less thought-about services like brake fluid flushes can be pushed to the back burner. Despite this, brake fluid is one of the more important fluids and maintenance items on your vehicle, especially for safety.
For the most part, people focus on the life of their rotors and pads, which are extremely important to take care of. In this article, we’ll go over the purpose of brake fluid in your system, the symptoms of old brake fluid, the cost of a flush, and how frequently you should have yours changed.
What is Brake Fluid?
Like power steering fluid, brake fluid is hydraulic, meaning it’s used to amplify and transfer from one point to another. In this case, it’s the brake pedal transferring and amplifying the force to the pads that are pushed against the rotors to create friction.
Symptoms of Bad Brake Fluid
The effects of old or contaminated brake fluid show themselves in several ways, but here are some of the symptoms of old or contaminated brake fluid you may see:
Soft/Spongy Brake Pedal
When contaminants or air pockets enter the brake lines over time, the brake pedal can feel soft and spongy due to inconsistent hydraulic pressure. In more severe cases, you may experience the pedal sinking to the floor when trying to use the brakes.
Leaking Brake Fluid
While leaking brake fluid is a problem that needs to be addressed in itself, it’s also a symptom caused by old brake fluid. The contaminants cause it to become corrosive, which can wear through brake system components over time, causing leaks.
Discolored Brake Fluid
One of the biggest telltale signs that your brake fluid needs replacement is visible contamination and discoloration. If you see a dark brown fluid, this generally indicates that the fluid is no longer as effective and will decrease the overall performance of your brakes.
Illuminated ABS or Brake Warning Light
Modern vehicles will alert you of problems with your braking fluid using the ABS or Brake light on the dashboard. While this doesn’t always mean your fluid needs replacement, you should always have your vehicle diagnosed after encountering a brake warning light.
What Does a Brake Fluid Flush Cost?
Typically, brake fluid flushes are completed during regular brake jobs, as it can be cheaper to roll it in with services like pad and rotor replacements. However, as a standalone service, you can expect to pay anywhere between $100 and $200. The price of your flush depends on many factors, including the vehicle itself, fluid capacity, and the type of fluid needed
How Often Should I Have My Brake Fluid Changed?
We typically suggest having your brake fluid flushed when you’re already getting other brake work done, like pad or rotor replacements, since bundling these services often saves money. If you choose to have a brake fluid flush done on its own, the cost usually falls between $100 and $200.
That said, you shouldn’t delay changing your brake fluid just to wait for a brake job. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, have a professional inspect your brakes to determine if old fluid could be the cause.
Brake Service in Peoria
Brake fluid provides the hydraulic pressure necessary for braking. This fluid needs occasional replacement, so when it’s time to change your vehicle’s brake fluid, trust the expert technicians at Beachlers in Peoria; they have years of experience in brake system maintenance and repair on a wide range of makes and models. Call or schedule an appointment online!