|
Automotive Repair Services |
---|
Stopping your car fast and in a straight line anytime, every time is the most important safety feature on your car. Modern brake systems use advanced electronics and computers to improve braking control. Brake fluid is a specially blended fluid used to transfer the hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder to the individual wheels. One of the design characteristics of brake fluid is that it will absorb moisture. It will keep the water trapped in solution and prevent it from damaging the sensitive brake control parts. Once the fluid has reached saturation free moisture starts to damage your brake system. European and Asian car makers have recommended changing the brake fluid every 2 years for a long time. Recently domestic car makers joined in this recommendation.
We recommend that the fluid be completely flushed every 2 years. It's easily accomplished whenever you schedule us to service your front and rear brakes.
Most brakes should be bled every two or three years to keep your brake system at optimum performance. Small amounts of air can become trapped in the brake line, creating a spongy feeling when you step on the pedal. If large amounts of air enter the brake line, your vehicle can suffer a complete braking failure.
To avoid getting air into the actuator of ABS, EBD, BA, or other sophisticated brake systems, a professional should bleed the brakes for you.
You should periodically change the brake fluid in your vehicle; about every 30,000 miles is a good round number. The reason for this is because over time, brake fluid absorbs moisture and becomes acidic. This acid eats away at the internals of the brake system and can eventually cause a failure. In addition, as brake fluid ages, its boiling point gets lower. If your brake fluid boils, it can cause your brakes to fail. (This would be a concern on a race car or something like that.) Remember that as you apply the brakes the calipers compress the shoes against the rotor and turns your speed into heat. Your brake fluid has to deal with that heat, not just the pads or shoes. The newer the brake fluid, the better equipped it is to deal with heat. Let us change your brake fluid the next time you bring it in for front or rear brakes.