Why It’s Important to Replace Your Brake Fluid

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Today’s car manufacturers make some of the safest vehicles that have ever been built. That doesn’t mean that your car’s systems are indestructible. Your brakes, for instance, need regular maintenance to keep you in full control of your car. If you don’t take proper care of them, you could find yourself stomping on dead brakes just when you need them most.

#1: Brake Fluid Attracts Water

Your brakes need brake fluid to work properly. Unfortunately, the fluid that your brakes need is hygroscopic. That means it attracts moisture, which means it can cause mechanical parts of your brakes to rust from the inside out.

To make matters even worse, condensation builds most when you brake hard. Every time you slam on the brakes, a small amount of water gets added to the fluid.

If you don’t change your brake fluid regularly, then your brakes will eventually oxidize and fall apart. Hopefully that doesn’t happen while you’re on the interstate.

#2: Replacing the Brake Fluid Means You Don’t Have to Replace Your Brakes

Once upon a time, mechanics didn’t replace brake fluid. Instead, they replaced the part of your brakes that contained the fluid. It was a part of routine maintenance, but it was also fairly expensive.

So, why should you replace your brake fluid? Because someone designed brakes that you don’t have to replace every couple of years. Believe it or not, you’re saving money when you replace the fluid. The alternative is buying brand new components.

#3: Brake Fluid Creates the Pressure That Makes Cars Stop

Brake fluid is a kind of hydraulic fluid that moves components of your car’s braking system. When you press the brake pedal, a series of motions cause the brake fluid to move those components while absorbing a large amount of pressure.

That pressure is why you have to use brake fluid instead of some other type of fluid, like water or antifreeze. Brake fluid has the ability take a lot more pressure than those other fluids.

Over time, though, that ability starts to break down. It can only do so much work before it falls apart on a molecular level. Once that happens, your car’s brakes become less and less effective.

Replacing your brake fluid is an important part of maintaining your car. While you don’t have to change it as often as you change the oil, you should still know your manufacturer’s recommendations so that you stay safe and keep your brakes in good condition.