How to check brake fluid properly?
Brake fluid need to be check regulary to ensure your brake system works as it should. The brake fluid is a main part of hydraulic brake system. Without the fluid, your braking system will fails. And to prevent from braking fails because there is no fluid, a routine check and maintenance should be done regularly.
Generally, brake fluid maintenance and replacement is carried out every 2 years or when the vehicle has traveled 24,000 miles. Between that ranges, its better to check the brake fluid every 6,000 miles or every 6 month.
The most important check for the brake fluid is the color of the fluid and the brake fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir tank. This two conditions will give you little view on your car brake system. Below is step by step on how to check brake fluid properly.
1. Locate the brake fluid reservoir tank
The first step to check brake fluid level is to locate the brake fluid reservoir tank. In an ordinary car, the brake fluid reservoir tank mostly located under the engine hood, near the back of the engine on the driver's side.
It is usually mounted almost directly in front of where the brake pedal is mounted on other side of bulkhead. The brake fluid reservoir tank have several special sign just like "Brake fluid" , "DOT3" or "DOT4", and other kind signs like that were marked on top of the cap. If you can't locate the brake fluid reservoir tank, then you must refer to your vehicle's owner's manual.
2. Clean the brake fluid reservoir cap
Use a rag to clean off the brake fluid reservoir cap from dust or dirt before opening it. A small dirt or dust were fell down to the brake fluid can damage the seals inside the master cylinder. Just make sure that the brake fluid reservoir cap is already cleaned from dust and dirt before you opening the cap.
3. Open the brake fluid reservoir cap
Unscrew the brake fluid reservoir cap carefully to open it. Do it gently to make sure that the brake fluid didn't splash to the car body because the brake fluid is corrosive and will damage paint. Immediately flush with water on the vehicle body that is exposed with brake fluid.
4. Check the brake fluid's color
Check the brake fluid's color. The color of brake fluid varies widely, including red, yellow, blue, green, or transparent white. The sign of a good brake fluid is clear and clean, whatever the color. If you find the brake fluid's color is darker then iced tea or coffe, it's a sign that your brake fluid is need to replace. Usually, brake fluid is changed every 2 years
5. Check the brake fluid level
If the color is OK, then the next step to check brake fluid is the fluid level. Good brake fluid level is should be half an inch of the cap. Most newer vehicles have a translucent reservoir with a clearly marked "full" line. If the level is in "Full" line, than your brake fluid is in Good level. If the fluid level is in "low" line, you need add the brake fluid until it reach the "Full" line.
Remember, always use the same spesific type of brake fluid were recommended for your vehicle when you add the brake fluid, and use only fluid from a newly opened container.
Adding brake fluid when you brake fluid level is in low state is just an anticipation action from loosing the fluid while you drive. The fact is, your brake system is need to be checked by certifed technician. There are 2 options that can causes brake fluid to decrease and shows in a low level conditions such as :
- Worn out brake pads and brake shoes
- There are brake fluid leaks in your brake system
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6. Replace the cap
The last step on how to check brake fluid properly is to replace the cap back to the brake fluid reservoir tank. For some car models, the cap is equipped with rubber seal. Just make sure the rubber seal is in correct position before you replace the cap.
Note: These instructions are intended as general guidelines. Please refer to your owner's or service manual for specific instructions on how to check brake fluid properly.