Should Brake Fluid Be Changed or Allowed to Remain the Same
Few car owners ever think about a Brake Flush, let alone its significance to the Brake System. After reading this, you’ll be just as educated as any professional mechanic.
- What is Brake Fluid
Brake Fluid provides the hydraulic substance that pushes the brake parts. Just like water pushes over houses and objects in its way, brake fluid pushes the caliper piston onto the Brake Pad[s]; and the Brake Pads clinch the Brake Rotor, stopping the wheels from rotating.
Let’s be more descriptive. When you press the Brake Pedal, it pumps Brake Fluid from the Master Cylinder into the Brake lines, into the Brake Caliper, pushing the caliper piston and Brake Pads. The Brake pads stop the Brake Rotors from turning. And your car stops.
No Brake Fluid. No Brakes.
- Brake Fluid absorbs water.
Brake fluid has a boiling point, just like any liquid substance. At this boiling point, the Brake Fluid will absorb moisture/water and even start to evaporate.
Water and moisture lower the boiling point; thus, lower the strength of the Brake Fluid. The most common reason for a spongy pedal.
Keep in mind that water contains oxygen (air). And we all know that air in a brake line is bad; That’s why brakes systems have to be bled.
Evaporation causes the worst damage. Inner city driving and extensive driving create high temperatures in brake systems, making the brake fluid evaporate. (High temperatures will also cause rubber to weaken.)
By the way, Dot 5 & 5.1 has the highest boiling points.
Checking for Water Content is easy. A $15 dollar tool will allow testing your Water content: Here’s the Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076SC377J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
(Must have a video here.)
- Brake Fluid collects debris & copper.
Copper is naturally collected because Hard Brake Lines are made of copper. Enough copper and brake fluid loses too much hydraulic power.
Copper content can be tested with strips. Another Amazon Tool: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0753MZT7P?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details
Debris will enter the Brake System from through the : Calipers, Master Cylinder, or a brake in the Brake System.
A buildup of debris cause a clog. Any clog will slow down Brake Fluid.
- A healthy Brake System requires Healthy Brake Fluid
Less water, less copper, and less debris means a stronger Brake system.
Many suggest flushing the Brake system every 20k. Sound like overkill.
Pensoil sells Brake Fluid that last for 50k and 100k. Those number sound much better.
Flush your Brake Fluid at least every 100,000 miles, no matter what it looks like or tests like.