Is a brake fluid flush really necessary, a good question. Brake fluids are very essential part of the vehicle hydraulic system.
The brake is more like the engine oil of the hydraulic brake system in the vehicle. This brake hydraulic fluid gets worn-out, dirty and needs to be replaced because it makes the brake less efficient.
The braking process generates heat, which breaks down and wears away at your brake fluid. This process leaves moisture behind, which can cause your brakes to rust.
Particles of debris, rubber, and metal can contaminate the solution over time. If left unattended, these issues can lead to reduced brake performance and, eventually, brake failure.
This is where brake fluid flushes come in. So what does the process of brake fluid flushing involve?
Read Also:- How Often to Change Brake Fluid in Toyota
What is a brake fluid flush
Over time brake fluid and other components of the brake deteriorate, small pieces of rubber, rust and other debris flake off and can land in your brake fluid. A brake fluid flush flushes out all of the old fluid together with debris, rust and other dirt.
Brake fluid flush is nothing other than the act of removing or flushing out all of the old hydraulic fluid in a brake system and replacing with a new one. Flushing the old brake fluid out to replace it with a new one keeps the hydraulic system working properly.
How do you know if I need brake fluid?
Like every other automobile parts, if you are good driver and an observant car owner you will always notice changes in the vehicle when something is wrong. The brake fluid is not left our either.
When brake fluid becomes bad or deteriorated and needs to be replaced, some signs become evident. This signs are very prominent signs that you would not need to consult a professional before you can tell. Below are signs that tell when your hydraulic fluid needs flushing
- ABS light comes On, on the dashboard.
- Brake pedals become unusually sift and strong from time to time.
- Strange noises when braking even when driving slowly.
- Malfunctioning brake pads.
- A burning smell.
Why do you need brake flush
When brake fluid gets dirty, it becomes less effective, which means your brakes won’t work as well. If brake stops working or becomes less efficient then driving becomes a lot less safer. Below are few reasons why you should always change brake fluid
- 1. Your Safety and others driving Learning to do the right the hard way is not a good virtue, do not wait until you almost collide with another vehicle before you give attention to your brakes. The brake helps you to slow down a vehicle on high speed and even brings it to a stop. It also helps you the driver from driving safe and in the intended direction without hitting or colliding with any other vehicle or surface. Give same amount of close attention you give to engine oil change to brake fluid flush as well. Remember safety first, if not for others do it for yourself, your family needs you back in one piece. Again please do give the same amount of attention you give to engine oil change and coolant to brake fluid flush as well.
- 2. Brake fluid is “hygroscopic,” An hygroscopic fluid in nature is one which is said to actively attracts moisture from the air. This is one one the basic reasons behind why you always need to replace hydraulic fluids from time to time. On the other hand, most other parts of the braking system are made of metal which can get rusty if there is constant contact with water and air. Remember, the brake fluid itself overtime starts to attract water and air as form of moisture from the surrounding. If this moisture and the brake’s metals stay in contact for long, rust is the end result. Rust or any form of dirt or debris are not needed at all in the braking system in other for the brake to function well. A routine brake flush is not too expensive, it doe not even cost as much as oil change. Endeavor as much as possible to keep your car’s brake fluid clean and the braking system working as expected.
- Brake fluid ages and becomes contaminated I will keep making illustrations with engine oil and car coolants fluid they always need to be changed. The brake fluids also need to be replaced from time to time as keep every part of the braking system in check. Like i have mentioned before, the fluid can also get dirty and become contaminated over time. If the brake fluid get dirty or contaminated by debris, braking becomes less efficient and might even stop working. Dirt and debris reduces your braking performance, which you might not notice for awhile, but every inch counts when it comes to braking. In extreme cases, it can lead to the brakes not working at all.
- ABS temperature condition Constant heat is being generated over time since the ABS and traction system is active. This heats continues to brake down the fluid. The ABS and traction control are important safety systems that rely on clean brake fluid, the heat they generate shortens the life of your brake fluid. Because of this heat generated the ABS needs close monitoring and replacement if need arises.
- 5. Anti-lock braking (ABS) The Anti-lock braking (ABS) and traction control components are sensitive to moisture and small particulates from contaminated fluid. We recommend flushing the brake fluid before it has a chance to ruin these expensive brake parts. An ABS module, for example, is what activates the ABS and pulses the brakes to help you stop straight. This critical component typically costs several hundred dollars.
Remember, the hydraulic fluid helps in the amplifying the the little pressure exacted by your legs on the brake pedals. The brake fluid need close maintenance and services just like you engine need s oil and the your cooling system needs coolant flush
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