How Often Should I Change Brake Fluid?

 

What’s the Change Interval for Brake Fluid?

In general, your brake fluid isn’t a fluid that needs to be changed that often; however, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on it. Many manufacturers include guidelines in their service schedule that dictate when you should change your brake fluid. In many cases, it can be a good idea to change your brake fluid every two to five years.

If you want to accurately gauge when you should have your brake fluid changed, you’re going to want to check your brake fluid level periodically. Your brake fluid is stored in a translucent container under the hood called the master cylinder. From here, you can check your brake fluid level, as well as gauge the color of your brake fluid.

How to Tell When Your Brake Fluid Needs to Be Changed

The easiest way to tell when your brake fluid needs to be changed is simply by visually inspecting it in the master cylinder. If your brake fluid is especially dark, you’re going to want to have it replaced as soon as possible. This means that your brake fluid has collected water and it’s beginning to boil and burn, ultimately reducing its effectiveness over time.

With that said, there are some noticeable warning signs that your brake fluid needs to be changed. If your brake fluid is low or there’s a lot of air in the brake line, you may start to notice that your brakes are feeling spongy or are unresponsive. This can lead to a reduction in your brake responsiveness and an increase in your stopping distance.

Another early sign that your brake fluid is going bad is when your ABS light comes on. This can serve as a warning sign that your brakes aren’t operating as well as they should and that you should have them looked at.

How to Change Brake Fluid

When it comes to changing brake fluid, it’s best that you consider leaving this job up to someone with experience. Changing brake fluid is a job that can cause damage to your vehicle if done improperly. That’s why it’s important to bring your car to a service center to have your brake fluid changed as safely as possible.

Schedule Brake Service with Us

When it comes to your brakes, you want to make sure you’re taking the best care possible to keep them in great shape. To help Avon, Indianapolis, and Plainfield, Indiana, drivers stay safe, Andy Mohr Kia is here with expert service.

If you’re noticing symptoms of poor brake performance, schedule a service appointment with us at our service center today!