Adding brake fluid to your car is crucial for maintaining brake performance and safety. First, locate the brake fluid reservoir under the hood, ensure the car is parked on a level surface, and clean the reservoir cap before opening. Slowly add the appropriate type of brake fluid to the reservoir until it reaches the recommended level. Read on to learn more.
A bit of hydraulic liquid and a split second can often mean the difference between a fender bender and severe whiplash. Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that transmits force from the brake pedal to the brakes, enabling them to stop the vehicle. It’s vital for brake function and safety.
Check your brake fluid regularly, ideally every few months or whenever you notice a change in braking performance or if your brake warning light comes on. Here’s what you need to know about adding brake fluid to your car.
How to Add Brake Fluid to Your Car
When adding brake fluid to your car, the first step should be to park it on an even, level surface. This is crucial because, like most fluids in your car, the only accurate way of measuring your fluid levels is if the tank or reservoir is level with the ground.
The next step is to find your brake reservoir. The location of the brake fluid reservoir differs with the car’s make and model, but it’s generally near the corner, on the driver’s side of the engine bay under the hood. If you aren’t sure, an excellent first step is to grab your car’s owner’s manual and look for the instructions under brake maintenance and fluid reservoirs. It may also be indicated through text printed on the cap.
Although this isn’t always true, you generally seek a clear container. Some cars have brake reservoirs with a clear indicator but an opaque or solid container.
The color of the liquid isn’t always a good indicator, either. Most brake fluid is light yellow to dark brown, but some brake fluid can be purple. Usually, the darker the fluid, the older it is. The brake fluid will be lighter in color and opacity in good condition.
Once you’ve located the brake fluid, the next step should be to test your car’s brake fluid levels. Unlike on an engine or transmission, a dipstick isn’t necessary. Because this is a simple reservoir, a legible indicator almost always has a MIN (minimum) and MAX (maximum) fill level. You will want your brake fluid to be somewhere between these two lines.
If your brake fluid needs refilling, always refer to the instructions in your car’s owner’s manual or those printed on the cap itself. As with most other car fluids, using a funnel when adding new brake fluid to the reservoir is a good idea.
What is Brake Fluid?
Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid made with a mineral oil base or a glycol ester. Hydraulic fluids are meant to transfer large amounts of pressure—in this case, amplifying the pressure from your brake pedal to your car’s braking mechanism, usually a brake caliper or a brake cylinder (on drum brakes).
Brake fluid comes in different specifications. In the United States, brake fluid is classified by so-called DOT types. Nowadays, you’re generally going to choose between DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5.1, and DOT 5 fluids.
The ratings here depend on the fluid’s make (mineral oil-based, glycol-based, or silicone-based), temperature tolerances, and compatibility with different brake systems. These fluids are usually incompatible, so mixing and matching is never good. Thankfully, your car’s owner’s manual will tell you exactly what brake fluid you should use.
When Should I Replace My Brake Fluid?
Brake fluid usually has nowhere to go but can change in viscosity and volume over time as the condition of the fluid changes with use, causing it to take on more water, leading to a darker fluid.
Brake fluid is designed to take on water to prevent corrosion from the inside out. It is a hydraulic liquid, primarily glycol or mineral oil-based. However, as it takes on more water, it becomes more likely to corrode your brake lines and affect the reliability of your brake cylinders or brake calipers.
When inspecting the fluid, ask yourself when you last had it replaced. To avoid corrosion and safety issues, it’s recommended to flush the lines and completely replace the brake fluid in your car’s system around once every two years. If it’s been over two years since you’ve taken your car to an auto shop or explicitly had your brake fluid changed, then it’s high time for a thorough flushing of all brake lines and a total replacement of the brake fluid in the reservoir.
When Should I Call a Technician?
While it’s easy to top up your brake fluid, there can be complications. First, if your brake fluid’s condition has deteriorated due to age and you need your lines flushed, talk to a mechanic. Second, you may lose fluid somewhere if you’re seeing changes in your reservoir over just a few days. Third, call a mechanic immediately if you notice a change in your car’s braking power. Whether it’s an issue with worn brake pads or a leak of brake fluid, not being able to come to a stop consistently and quickly can be fatal.
Some types of brake fluid leaks can be tricky to spot because the fluid might not necessarily be leaking from the brake lines – sometimes, worn brake pads can lead to excess fluid becoming stored inside your brake calipers, or brake fluid could be leaking into your brake booster.
Brake and Vehicle Maintenance at Blu Automotive
When your reservoir is running low, adding brake fluid to your car is essential for maintaining optimal brake performance and ensuring safety on the road.
Park on a level surface, locate the reservoir, check your fluid levels, and then top up your brake fluid when needed. Remember to consult your owner’s manual for the correct fluid type and seek professional help if you encounter any issues or suspect any leaks.
If your brake fluid is very dark, or if you can’t remember the last time you had it changed, talk to a technician about replacing it. Our team of expert technicians at Blu Automotive offers state-of-the-art Brake Services to help you maintain your vehicle and keep your brakes in good working condition.
