Don’t wait for your brakes to start feeling “off” to call your mechanic. Brake fluid service is as important to your car as regular oil changes. That’s because just as your engine oil protects your engine parts, the brake fluid protects your brake system and its components from corrosion.
What is brake fluid and how does it work?
The brakes on your vehicle operate by using hydraulic fluid running through brake lines, which translates to your foot putting pressure on the brake pedal. The hydraulic fluid is what makes it possible for you to stop your vehicle with minimal effort, so if it is compromised due to debris, moisture, age, or a leak in the brake line, your brakes will begin to fail.
Brake fluid service in Canton OH
Brake fluid servicing typically will include a complete check of your braking system to check for debris in the fluid and rusted components that may need replacing. The hydraulic fluid is drained, a chemical flush may be done if necessary, and new brake fluid is added.
At HD Auto, our technicians recommend a brake fluid flush every 30,000 miles or every two to five years depending on your driving environment and braking habits. Highway driving, for example, requires less braking than city driving or daily driving in stop-and-go traffic. Your owner’s manual will provide guidance on brake fluid servicing for your specific vehicle, make and model.
Why you need a brake fluid flush in North Canton OH
The hydraulic fluid in your brake lines is not designed to last forever. The heat generated by the braking process breaks down the fluid over time, making it less effective and allowing moisture to enter the system. Aging brakes and exposure to moisture lead to rust and debris build-up that contaminate the braking fluid and cause further damage to components.
Neglected systems usually manifest as a drop in hydraulic pressure, which you will notice with spongy brakes or a sluggish response when you brake.
At HD Auto, we recommend you call for brake fluid service if:
- You believe your brake fluid is old because you have reached target mileage indicated in your owner’s manual or because brake response seems sluggish.
- You may have a fluid leak, indicated by a dashboard light, you notice a puddle of amber colored fluid under your car, or your brake pedal drops to the floor when you press it.
- Poor brake response seems to indicate air in the brake line, which can be corrected with a brake line bleed if the fluid is not otherwise contaminated.
If you regularly check your brake fluid, use a white towel to confirm whether it is contaminated. Brake fluid should be clear or amber colored, not brown, but color is not the only indicator that brake fluid is breaking down. It is best to have your brake fluid checked regularly by a professional before you are noticing a drop in hydraulic pressure.
If you have questions about brake fluid service in Canton, North Canton, and the surrounding area, contact HD Auto or schedule an appointment today to have your brake fluid checked and serviced.