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What Is Brake Fluid?
Brake fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid used in hydraulic brake systems. It is found in the brake lines and contributes to the force produced when the brake pedal is engaged. It is a necessary component of the vehicle and without it, the braking system will not work.
The braking system is one of the most important in the car and the braking system itself is comprised of multiple components – brake discs and pads, brake lines, the brake pedal and brake fluid. The fluid serves to amplify the car’s braking force and also acts as a lubricant to help to prevent corrosion in the moving parts of the brakes.
How Does The Braking System Work?
When the brake pedal is depressed, it compresses the pistons inside the master cylinder, pushing brake fluid into and through the brake lines, until it reaches the wheel’s cylinder. Here it forces a set of pistons to push the brake pads against the spinning rotor. The brake pads rub against the rotor, causing the vehicle to slow down.
Brake fluid acts as a solid force when under pressure, even though it is liquid - this force is turned into pressure that activates the brake pads to stop the vehicle. The harder the brakes are pressed, the more pressurised the fluid becomes – this increases the stopping force.
How Often Should Brake Fluid Be Changed?
Brake fluid should be changed on a regular basis to ensure that your brakes are exerting the right amount of pressure to safely stop the vehicle. As to when this should be changed depends on make and model of car and its mileage - the handbook will have suggested timely intervals for which to follow.
What Happens If Brake Fluid Is Not Changed?
If brake fluid is not regularly monitored and changed accordingly during services, it will eventually become contaminated or run out. This means that the brakes will not work as well as they should do and greater force will probably need to be applied in order to come to a complete stop, as brake fluid plays a key role in the efficiency of the car’s braking system. This is a serious safety issue that could result in a potentially fatal accident.
Brake Fluid Becomes Contaminated
Brake fluid contains corrosion inhibitors and antioxidants, these help to keep the engine working smoothly. Over time these inhibitors break down, this can lead to metal corrosion and a build-up of contaminants; general dirt and debris and deteriorated rubber from the hoses and seals that make up the braking system, may also accumulate in the fluid, adding to the disruption of the brake flow.
As previously noted, brake fluid acts as a lubricant to other moving parts of the braking system - it can absorb any moisture that comes out of these components, the more moisture that enters the brake fluid, the more ineffective it becomes, this can result in the brakes failing to stop the car.
Low Brake Fluid
The brakes may fail if the brake fluid becomes excessively low or runs out, the latter would probably only occur in the case of a leak.
Signs Of Brake Fluid Issues
- The pedal feels soft or spongy.
- The pedal may be harder to press down.
- There may be a patch of fluid beneath the vehicle.
- Anti-lock braking system warning light display on dashboard.
- Old brake pads, any loud noises from the brake pads could be an indication that they are not working properly.
- Burning smells – any type of burning smell or smoke is always a bad sign.
What Happens During A Brake Fluid Change?
During a brake fluid change all of the old fluid will be drained down and the system will be thoroughly flushed out. This will be replaced with new fluid, flushed through and then topped up. During a service, all the fluids in the vehicle will be checked, including the brake fluid. There are several different types of brake fluid, each one is designed for different vehicle types and requirements. The brake fluid specified in your car owner’s manual is the best for performance and safety.
Our Services
The best way to ensure that your car is in good working order and that the braking system is running as effectively as possible is to take your car for regular servicing.
Longmynd Service Station offer comprehensive car and MOT services for all makes and models of vehicles. For more information on our services, get in touch today.