Everything About Brake Fluid: When to Replace, How Much it Costs & Tips from Berks Auto Repair
Brake fluid helps maintain proper braking for your vehicle. With no brake fluid, your car’s ability to stop would be affected. Even so, numerous drivers tend to ignore this important fluid until a problem appears. We are convinced that making drivers aware and giving them quality brake system maintenance goes a long way which is why we offer both expert brake fluid changes and flushes.
What Is Brake Fluid & Why Should You Know About It?
Brake fluid connects the force from your foot pressing the brake pedal to your brakes to stop the car. The material must not become less dense, even if heated and it must remain free of impurities. However, if your vehicle stays parked for a long time, dirt, moisture and air can build up, making it harder for your vehicle to stop and threatening your safety.
How Often Should I Replace My Brake Fluid?
A frequent inquiry from our clients is: “How often ought I to change my brake fluid?” or “When should I change my brake fluid?” It depends on the car and the driving conditions, but generally, you should change your oil every 2 years or after driving around 20,000 to 45,000 miles. You should check the manual that came with your car or find out what is best for your vehicle by talking to a Berks Auto Repair expert.
What’s The Difference Between Changing Brake Fluid and Bleeding Brakes?
There is a common mistake of thinking that a brake fluid change is the same as brake bleeding. In a fluid change, you should totally drain the current fluid and put new brake fluid in its place. Meanwhile, brake bleeding is done to force the air out of the brake lines.
Meanwhile we provide vehicle specific services, so if you want to have a consultation, feel free to get in touch with us!
Should I Bleed the Brakes or Flush Out the Brake Fluid?
Brake fluid flushing covers more than the process of bleeding the brakes. It means running new fluid through the braking system to flush out any old fluid and dirt. Do this if you find your fluid is very dirty or the car hasn’t been serviced in over two years. Berks recommends a brake fluid flush in Reading, PA for total assurance.
The Average Price to Change Brake Fluid
Depending on your car and whether a full flush is carried out, you can expect to pay between $70 and $120 for new brake fluid. You get affordable prices and the highest quality service when you bring your car to Berks Auto Repair—look for us after searching for “brake fluid flush near me”!
Symptoms Of Contaminated Brake Fluid
Understanding signs of low brake fluid and contaminated brake fluid could prevent you from spending too much on repairs.
- A soft brake pedal that presses easily
- Your warning lights are activated
- Loud sounds coming from braking
- Taking more time to brake
- A deep depression in the brake pedal
If you see these signs, come directly to Berks Auto Repair for an inspection.
Can I Operate My Vehicle When the Brake Fluid Is Low?
Yes, technically it’s possible, but it’s not something you should try. If you don’t keep your brake fluid at the proper level, the brakes might fail. Asking, “Can I drive with low brake fluid?” should make you answer with no. It is important to solve a brake fluid leak as soon as possible.
Repairing a Broken Brake Fluid Line
Residents of Reading in PA won’t have to ask, “Where can I fix a brake fluid leak?” As we are here to help. Berks Auto Repair quickly takes care of brake fluid leak problems to ensure you have a safe trip.
Methods for Checking Brake Fluid
You can carry out a brake fluid moisture test or check the fluid levels visually. When your brake fluid appears very dark, murky or oily, it means you may need to replace it. Do you want to know how to check brake fluid? Look at the fluid in the reservoir on top of your engine and check if it is clean and clear—or have our team do it here in Berks for you while you wait!
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What Happens If You Don’t Change Brake Fluid?
If fluid changes are ignored, excess moisture can cause the brake lines and calipers to corrode, risking their failure. In the worst situation, you might find that your brakes aren’t working at all. Therefore, taking care of your brakes on a regular schedule is very important.
Can I Mix Different Brake Fluids?
Never mix different brake fluids, unless the products are specifically stated to be compatible. While you can mix DOT 3 and DOT 4, you should never mix either with the silicone-based DOT 5 which doesn’t work well with ABS or regular systems.
What Makes DOT 3 Brake Fluid Different from DOT 4 Brake Fluid?
DOT 3 vs. DOT 4 brake fluid mainly differ in boiling point and their ability to absorb water. DOT 4 is perfect for ABS and vehicles that need better performance due to its higher boiling point. Our technicians can assist you in picking the best type of brake fluid for your vehicle.
What is the Best Brake Fluid for My Car?
Do you need ideas on trusted DOT 4 brake fluid brands or top-quality synthetic fluid? At Berks, we carry are all best DOT 4 brake fluid brands, including Motul, Castrol and Prestone. Our team will guide you to the Leasing package that perfectly suits your family car or sports car.
Best Brake Fluid for High-Performance Cars
You should choose a higher boiling point fluid for using your car on the track or driving very fast. Motul RBF 600 and Castrol SRF are considered good choices for race car brake fluid as they work well in demanding situations.
Locations for Having a Brake Fluid Flush in Reading, PA
If you’re looking for a ‘brake fluid flush near me’ or a service in Reading, PA, Berks is your place. Our skilled staff provides service that is both quick, affordable and professional and they use the best quality fluids.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How often to change brake fluid?
You should have your tires changed every 2 years or after driving 20,000–45,000 miles, according to your car and how you drive.
Q2. What can I look for to tell if my brake fluid isn’t good?
A burning smell, brakes that look very dark or black and feeling spongy are all key signals. Running a brake fluid moisture test can expose if there is any contamination.
Q3. Is brake bleeding just another way to replace the brake fluid?
No, the purpose of bleeding is to get rid of air bubbles and the primary purpose of changing brake fluid is to use a new, fresh supply. A brake flush should be performed when there is severe contamination.
Q4. Which one is different about DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5 brake fluid?
The third point: lowering the boiling point Higher boiling point is good for using ABS plastic. DOT 5 shares its base material with DOT 6, but don’t try to use it in a DOT 3 or 4 car.
Q5. How long does a brake fluid flush take?
Generally, a brake fluid flush service is finished within 30 to 60 minutes. It helps you drive safer since it increases your braking efficiency.