How often you need a brake fluid flush in Burke, VA is debatable. Some manufacturers recommend a brake fluid flush every 45,000 miles, and some say every three years regardless of how many miles you have driven, but typically a brake fluid flush every 20,000 miles or every two years is recommend. Check to see how often your vehicle’s manual recommends a brake fluid flush or ask a reliable automotive repair shop in Burke, VA.
Brake fluid is enclosed in a sealed system, but moisture can work its way in through hoses and other parts of your braking system. Once water gets into your brake lines, it lowers the boiling point of the fluid which diminishes your stopping ability as the heat in the system increases. Over time, moisture can cause internal corrosion in the brake lines, calipers, the master cylinder and other components.
A brake fluid flush can save you from having to replace rusted brake lines and other parts that will cost you more than if you had a brake fluid flush in Burke, VA during your regular maintenance of your vehicle. You should have your brake fluid inspected and tested for moisture and a brake fluid flush in Burke, VA every couple of years.
Brake fluid is usually light brown in color, and in some vehicles, it is even clear when new but will darken with age becoming murky from water contamination at which time, you should have a brake fluid flush in Burke, VA.
How to Check Brake Fluid
- Let the car cool down.
- Locate the brake fluid reservoir. Your owner’s manual should give you the specific location for your particular vehicle. Usually, it is located on the driver’s side near the wall between your engine and the cabin.
- Brake fluid reservoirs are relatively small compared to other reservoirs and have a screw cap on top. It may or may not have brake fluid written on the cap, but instructions should be on the cap or the reservoir or both. These instructions tell you to clean off the cap and which type of brake fluid to use.
- Cleaning off the cap to the brake fluid reservoir before opening helps to prevent debris from going into the reservoir including moisture which can make your brakes less efficient and eventually corrode the interior of your brake system.
- Twist off the cap, locate the dipstick and wipe it clean with a dry rag. Screw it back on and then remove and look at the dipstick. The line should be somewhere between the “add” and “full” marks. Add brake fluid if needed.
Brake fluid is crucial in stopping your vehicle in Burke, VA just like engine oil is to keeping it going. Make sure you check your brake fluid often, add fluid when needed, and have a brake fluid flush performed at least every couple of years in Burke, VA or according to your owner’s manual.
