Brake Fluid Flush

 Why should I Get a Brake Fluid Flush?

Your brakes are really made up of two different systems – one is the mechanical system that includes the brake pads, brake shoes, brake rotors or brake drums, plus the brake cylinders, lines and master cylinder. The second system is the hydraulic system that includes brake fluid.

It’s the hydraulic system is critical to the operation of your car’s brakes because it provides the power to make all the mechanical components work. But understand that brake fluid is very hygroscopic. That means it absorbs moisture.

When brake fluid absorbs moisture, it becomes contaminated and has to be flushed and replaced.

How do you know if your brake fluid is contaminated?

The simple test is by looking at the color of your brake fluid. New brake fluid is almost clear and resembles the color of apple juice. When it gets contaminated and absorbs moisture, the brake fluid turns a darker ‘brownish’ color.

When the brake fluid is dark in color – it’s contaminated and needs to be replace.
This is even more important on today’s vehicles that are equipped with ABS Brakes – Anti Lock Brakes. That’s because the Anti-Lock Brake systems uses several different valves to route the brake fluid. Contaminated brake fluid could lead to more costly damage of the brake lines and valves.

We also recommend you check your owner’s manual for the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended service interval for brake fluid flush or replacement.

Click here for more about brakes, brake service and brake pad replacement.