Should you know some things about your car, then you will agree that changing the fluids in it is always good for the vehicle. The same thing happens with the brake fluid. Yes, you are perfectly aware that it must be changed from time to time, but I am not sure how many of you really know how to properly do it.



The books say that you cannot use the same brake fluid for a period of time longer than two years. Therefore, the replacement must be done every two years or 24,000 miles. For some extra safety, a professional brake technician should check the condition of the fluid with an accurate fluid test safety meter. It will be inserted into the master cylinder reservoir in order to record the boiling point of the fluid.

The main reason for the contamination of the brake fluid is the fact that it can very easily become contaminated. This fluid absorbs moisture, which works its way through the hydraulic system. Should the braking conditions be heavy, the moisture in the overheated fluid vaporizes and the efficiency of braking is reduced. The explanation for all this is that the boiling point of water is lower than the one of the brake fluid. You can get these heavily breaking conditions while driving in mountainous or hilly places or when towing a trailer, so you must pay special attention in such cases. However, this is not the only situation with such a risk. Even under normal driving conditions, if the brake fluid is seriously contaminated, one can also see this condition develop. Not to speak about the fact that the fluid is not only vulnerable to vaporizing, but it can even freeze.

Brake fluid must maintain a stable viscosity throughout its operating temperature range. The braking action can be impaired, if the brake fluid is too thick or too thin. Beyond the vaporization risk, moisture creates an additional problem for owners of vehicles equipped with anti-lock braking systems. It can get to spending a large amount of money in order to replace all the rusted and corroded components such a system needs. Therefore, should your car be equipped with such an anti-lock breaking system, you must be prepared for the worse. The best solution to this is never leaving the situation without proper examination for longer periods of time!