Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is a hot topic because most people don’t know why it should be changed. Did you know the average motorist who drives 16000 km to24000km a year uses his brakes about 75000 times a year? Did you know that half of all motorists in a recent Car Care Council survey said brake failure was their number one fear amongst driving emergency?

So consider this: After three years of service, the average boiling point of brake fluid has dropped to a potentially dangerous level because of moisture contamination and may not meet minimum federal requirements for brake fluid.

Probably half of cars and light trucks that are 10 or more years old in the U.S. have never had their brake fluid changed. Yet in many European countries, regular brake fluid checks are required, and half of all cars routinely fail such tests. That is a good case for changing brake fluid.

Many experts have long recommended changing the brake fluid every year or two for preventative maintenance. Their rational is based on the fact that glycol-based brake fluid starts to absorb moisture from the moment it is put in the system. The fluid attracts moisture through microscopic pores in rubber hoses, past seals and exposure to the air. The problem is obviously worse in wet climates where humidity is high.

Considering the fact that today’s front-wheel drive brake systems with semi-metallic linings run significantly hotter than their rear –wheel drive counterparts, high brake tortures require fluid that can take the heat. But as we said earlier, the brake fluid in many of today’s cars vehicles cannot because it is old and full of moisture.

In addition to the safety issue, water-laden brake fluid promotes corrosion and pitting in calliper pistons and bores, wheel cylinders, master cylinders, steel brake lines and ABS modulators.

I recommend changing the brake fluid every 2 years or 45,000 kms. So the next time you are inspecting or servicing your brakes, be sure to check the condition of the fluid as well as the level. If you add or change fluid, use the type specified but the vehicle manufacturer (dot3 or dot4) and use the highest quality fluid you can get. And above all, remember the benefits of changing the fluid for preventive maintenance.