Brake fluid is an important part of your car, but what does it do? In this blog post, we’ll go over the basics of brake fluid and what it means for your car. We’ll also cover some tips on how to keep your brake fluid in good condition. Stay safe on the road!
When you apply the brakes in your car, a few things happen. First, the brake pads press against the rotors (or discs). The pressure of this action pushes a piston in the calipers, forcing them to close and press stronger on the wheels. This in turn creates friction, which slows down the wheel’s rotation.
But how does the fluid get involved in all of this? Well, when you step on the brake pedal, a plunger pushes down on a chamber filled with brake fluid. As pressure increases at the caliper area, hydraulic force is transmitted through the liquid to the outer part of the system. So as you can see, your car’s brakes rely on the brake fluid to work properly.
One of the main jobs of your brake fluid is to keep the components in your braking system from corroding, rusting, and wearing down. So it’s essential that you keep your brake fluid in good condition – if not, you could risk damaging your car’s braking system.
As a general rule, you should check your brake fluid every time you get an oil change. If the level seems low, you’ll need to add more fluid so that there is enough pressure in the calipers and pistons to slow down your vehicle.
If you’re not sure how to do this yourself, make an appointment with us – we’ll be able to add the fluid for you. However, before you go, make sure that your car’s brake fluid is in good condition so that it can do its job effectively. If there are any signs of contamination or wear and tear, get the fluid flushed out and replaced right away.
A few tips on keeping brake fluid in good condition include:
- Only use the type of brake fluid that is recommended by your car’s manufacturer. Never mix different types of brake fluid, as this can cause serious damage to your system.
- Always replace worn or damaged brake lines and hoses, since they can lead to corrosion in your braking system. And always use high-quality lines and hoses to avoid fluid leaking.
- Keep your brake fluid reservoir either full or at least half-full, since the low level can cause corrosion of the piston rings. Also, make sure that there’s no dirt in the reservoir itself – this could interfere with the system’s operation.
If you’re worried about your brake fluid or want to get it checked out by a mechanic, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’ll be happy to help you take care of your car’s brakes!
