How often should you have a brake fluid flush in Fort Washington, MD? It’s a fair question, and if you’ve done any research on the internet, you’ve probably run across the recommendation to have it done about every three years or thirty thousand miles.
You may have also read that different makes and models of cars have different requirements on that front, and while that’s true, it doesn’t really tell the whole story. Below, we’ll go into a bit more detail.
Let’s start with the reason for the rule of thumb’s existence in the first place. The basic idea is that having a brake fluid flush in Fort Washington, MD at the generally recommended 3-year/30,000 mile mark may see you getting it done more often than you strictly need it, but more frequent maintenance is almost always better than less frequent maintenance, or even worse, none at all, which is a likely alternative.
Unfortunately, it comes with one significant drawback for you. A brake fluid flush service in Fort Washington, MD isn’t free, and if you’re having it done more often than you need to, then you’re spending money you could keep in your bank account or do something else with.
That then, brings up the next logical question: If the rule of thumb isn’t the best guideline to use, what is?
Our recommendation is a simple one. Have your brake fluid tested at regular intervals. Testing takes all the guesswork out of the equation. There’s no need for rules of thumb, because you’ll simply know when it’s time.
Now, any good mechanic can tell by looking at your brake fluid that there may be a problem with it, but don’t just rely on that. There are two specific tests that can be conducted to tell you for sure.
The first is a moisture test. This is simply a measure of how much water has mingled with your brake fluid. A tiny amount is okay, but beyond a very small threshold, it will start causing problems.
The second is called a strip test. This measures how much copper is mixed with your brake fluid, which is what most often gives it a darker than expected appearance.
Copper can be found on the inside of brake lines. Brake fluid itself contains anti-corrosive compounds, but over time, those begin to break down. When they do, they’ll corrode some of the copper off of the inside of your brake line.
As with excess water in your brake fluid, too much of this will begin to impact how your brakes function, which is when and why it’s time to have the system flushed.
We can perform both tests at our shop. If there’s any question in your mind about whether or not it’s time, just bring your car by or call and schedule an appointment. We’ll be happy to assist!
