The Importance Of Brake Fluid

The Importance Of Brake Fluid

Every motorist understands how important brakes are. If they fail, there is a high potential for catastrophe and nothing can incite panic quite like your foot hitting the floor unexpectedly when attempting to brake hard. To ensure they continue to operate properly, there's more to them than just replacing the pads and occasionally rotors, though. The most often ignored aspect may be the most important: your brake fluid. Our partners at Larry Hopkins Honda Auto Repair Service here in Sunnyvale, CA recommend you check it along with your pads and rotors at every oil change. 

Brake fluid is the lifeblood of your hydraulic braking system. It allows the efficient transfer of pressure to occur from the pistons between the brake pedal and the pads. If something goes wrong and the pressure fails to build, there won't be sufficient friction behind the pads to transfer to the rotors. Simply, you won't be able to stop effectively. To make sure your brake system is healthy, there are two crucial checks that must be made. Of course you need to make sure your pads have enough surface left and the rotors are in good condition. After that, you need to check on the health of your brake fluid.

During braking, the temperature can rise in the area near the pads to well over 500 degrees. Over time water tends to build up inside various places in your vehicle, and if it happens to find its way into your brake fluid some very bad things can happen. It can cause rust to form in the system, compromising the integrity of the metallic parts. It can also shorten the life of any seals.

Perhaps the worst thing it can do is boil under high-heat conditions and cause the spontaneous loss of pressure. This can be avoided by making sure the brakes are properly bled when the fluid is changed. You'll also want to check the color and viscosity of it regularly as well as the level. The color in particular is a good indicator of overall health. If it gets significantly darker than when new, it's time for a change. 

If your brakes are acting up, its imperative that you get them fixed ASAP. They are simply the most important safety feature your vehicle has. If they start making a strange sound or feel spongy, you need to address it immediately.

If you're an experienced mechanic, it can be done at home. Otherwise, it's time to make an appointment with your local service center.

Written By: Todd Hendrickson