What is Brake Fluid Flush? & Where can I get my brake fluid flushed?
When was the last time you flush your brake fluid? How do you do that? How important is it? Generally, drivers don’t think much about preemptive brake maintenance. When their brakes, rotors, or pads need to be replaced, they often wait until they need to be replaced before getting them fixed. You might wonder if flushing your brake system regularly is necessary if you replace your brake pads and other components regularly.
Why do brake fluid flushes cost so much? While we all want our cars to run smoothly and safely, what exactly is one? Is it worth the money and time? Where can I get my brake fluid flushed?
A BRAKE FLUID FLUSH is what?
There are many moving parts in your brake system. Up front, automobiles usually have disk brakes, and at the rear, they may have drum brakes or disk brakes. Each brake at each wheel is connected to the master cylinder via a system of hoses and tubes. As part of the overall brake system, parking brakes, power brake boosters, and anti-lock brakes are also present.
Brake fluid is forced through connected hoses to the brakes at each wheel as a result of a plunger pressing against the master cylinder when you hit the brake pedal. Disk brakes use fluid that is forced into calipers, where it is squeezed by pistons and pressed against brake pads, causing the wheel to slow or stop. To stop a wheel, brake shoes are pushed against a drum by the fluid in the wheel cylinder. The brake fluid in both cases is a vital component in the overall braking system of your car.
Rubber flakes, rust and other debris fall off the brake system's components and get into your brake fluid as the components deteriorate over time. If the fluid is dirty, it loses its effectiveness, resulting in less braking power.
A brake fluid flush is even more crucial, since brake fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs 3% water per year. Brake fluid flushes basically remove and replace your old, dirty brake fluid with fresh and clean fluid. Every 30,000 miles or every two years, you should include a brake fluid flush in your regular car maintenance schedule.
Additionally, brake fluid should be checked periodically. The overall effectiveness of your braking can be affected by low brake fluid.
How does the brake fluid flush work?
Even though a mechanic can perform brake fluid changes in the shop with a brake-flushing machine, you might want to do it yourself. You should use high-quality brake fluid if you decide to do it yourself. Furthermore, brake fluid can quickly become contaminated with outside air as air mixes with water vapor. A contaminated brake system can ultimately be detrimental, so beware.
The old brake fluid must be removed from the fluid reservoir before the new brake fluid is added. Afterwards, you will need to raise your car and remove all four wheels in order to remove the old brake fluid. The brake fluid is flushed down a tube connected to the valve at one end, and the fluid is collected at the other end.
Another technician holds down the brake pedal while the other pumps the brakes during the opening of the valve. Once the old brake fluid has cleared from the container, the valve can be closed. When the old brake fluid has been cleared, the yellow fluid will appear.
In order to demonstrate that brakes are receiving clean fluid, the “flushing” process is repeated until the container indicates that the fluid has reached the brakes. Before the wheels are put back on the car, the process is repeated on all four brakes. Testing the brakes on the road will ensure they are functioning properly.
It costs about $100 to flush brake fluid in most cases, the majority of which is labor.
Your car’s brake system is one of its most important components. When your brakes wear out, you need to replace them. Your car will be safer when its brake fluid is regularly replaced, as well as extending the life of its components.
Brake fluid flushes: How Often Is It Needed?
As far as the frequency of fluid flushes goes, there is no hard and fast rule.It is usually recommended to change your brake fluid every 30,000 miles or two years by most professional mechanics. The solution should alleviate many of the after-effects of old brake fluid and aging.
You can also examine the owner’s manual for a more detailed estimate on how often you should have your brakes flushed. If your vehicle’s brakes are used aggressively, like in stop-and-go traffic, your timeline for flushing the brake fluid could be accelerated.
Where can I get my brake fluid flushed?
To maintain brake performance and prevent corrosion, you can perform a brake fluid flush to replace old or contaminated brake fluid. Your brakes seem to not be working properly, have you noticed? Does the brake system grind or make other strange sounds? Are you experiencing shaky steering while braking? Was your brake system last inspected by a professional?
Contact HSK Motors today for more information regarding your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule or to request a brake system inspection.