How Often Should I Change Brake Fluid?
Your brakes make up a complex system that uses hydraulic pressure to stop your car. Over time, though, the hydraulic fluid within your brake system can deteriorate—this is when it’s time to look into having your brake fluid changed. Have you ever asked yourself, "How often should I change brake fluid?"
To answer this question for Avon, Indianapolis, and Plainfield, IN, drivers, our service experts from Andy Mohr Kia would like to show you what you can do to find out if it’s time to change your brake fluid.
Key takeaways:
- Brake fluid breaks down over time and should be changed every 2 to 5 years or when it looks dark.
- Spongy brakes, longer stopping distance, or the ABS light can indicate old brake fluid.
- Changing brake fluid is best done by a professional to avoid damage and ensure proper function.
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's a good idea to change your brake fluid every 2 to 5 years.
If you want to gauge when you should have your brake fluid changed accurately, 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 to inspect it in the master cylinder visually. 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 your brakes feel spongy or 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 functioning as well as they should and that you should have them inspected.
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.
Actually, Kia advises keeping brake fluid away from painted surfaces, never using fluid that has been exposed to air for long periods, and always using the proper type to protect the integrity of the braking system.*
FAQs
What are the main functions of brake fluid?
The force applied to the brake pedal is carried by brake fluid as pressure to activate the braking system. It also helps protect internal components from corrosion and maintains consistent performance under different temperatures.
How often should brake fluid be checked?
Our experts typically recommend checking brake fluid every 20,000 to 30,000 miles. Regular checks help ensure the fluid remains clean and effective for proper braking performance.
How long does a brake fluid change take?
On average, a brake fluid replacement takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour. This can vary depending on the vehicle model and service center conditions, but it’s generally a quick and efficient process.
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 drivers in Avon, Indianapolis, and Plainfield, Indiana, stay safe, Andy Mohr Kia is here with expert service.
If you’re noticing symptoms of poor brake performance or have questions about how often to change your brake fluid, schedule a service appointment with us at our service center today!
*Source: Kia
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Artwork is for a 2025 model and is for representational purposes only; the 2026 model image is not yet available.
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