The Brake Fluid Mystery: How often is it best to change it?
Every time we gently press the brake pedal of the car with the sole of our foot, it is a deep trust in safety. Behind this, brake fluid is silently playing its role. As the "blood" of the automobile brake system, the health status of brake fluid is directly related to the life safety of every driver and passenger. So, the question is, how often should we change our brake fluid?
Brake fluid, also known as brake fluid, is an important part of the braking system of modern automobiles. Its main function is to transfer pressure in the braking system, so that when we press the brake pedal, the brake caliper can clamp the brake disc tightly, so that the vehicle slows down and stops. The performance of brake fluid not only affects the sensitivity of the brake, but also directly relates to the safety of the brake.
In general, most car manufacturers recommend changing the brake fluid every two years or after 40,000 kilometers of driving. However, this is only a rough guideline. In fact, the brake fluid change interval is affected by a number of factors:
Driving habits: Frequent heavy braking will accelerate the deterioration of the brake fluid.
Climatic conditions: A humid, rainy environment will accelerate the absorption of water by the brake fluid, resulting in a lower boiling point.
Vehicle type: Due to the high operating temperature of the brake system in high-performance cars or racing cars, the brake fluid replacement cycle will be relatively shortened.
Brake fluid quality: High-quality brake fluid has better oxidation resistance, anti-wear and high boiling point, and has a relatively long service life.
Therefore, the most accurate replacement time should be determined in combination with the above factors, and refer to the vehicle's instruction manual or consult professional technicians.
Brake fluid that has not been changed for a long time will gradually deteriorate, and its harm cannot be ignored:
The boiling point decreases: As the moisture increases, the boiling point of the brake fluid gradually decreases, which can lead to brake failure when braking continuously and heavily.
Corroded brake system: Acids in deteriorated brake fluid can cause corrosion to the metal parts of the brake system.
Reduced braking performance: The viscosity of deteriorated brake fluid increases, and the fluidity becomes poor, resulting in a sluggish braking response.
In addition to regular changes by time or mileage, drivers can also determine whether the brake fluid needs to be changed by:
Visual inspection: Look through the transparent part of the brake oil pot to observe the color and clarity of the brake fluid. If the color becomes dark or cloudy, there are impurities and moisture.
Boiling point test: A professional car repair shop can conduct a brake fluid boiling point test. A boiling point too low is a clear sign that the brake fluid needs to be replaced.
Brake feel: If the brake pedal feels "soft" or you need to press deeper to brake, it may be a problem with the brake fluid.
When it comes to changing your brake fluid, choosing the right one is just as important. Typically, brake fluids are dot 3, dot 4, dot 5, and dot 51 and other specifications. Different specifications of brake fluid have different properties and application ranges. When choosing, you should choose the right specification and brand based on the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer and your own driving needs.
The replacement of brake fluid is not a simple liquid replacement, it involves the emptying and filling of the entire brake system, which requires professional technology and equipment to complete. Therefore, it is recommended that car owners choose a regular auto repair shop to ensure the accuracy and safety of the replacement process when changing the brake fluid.
Changing the brake fluid may seem like a trivial matter, but behind it is the life safety of every driver and passenger. The correct replacement interval and the right brand of brake fluid are important links to ensure driving safety. It is hoped that every car owner can pay attention to this issue and regularly check and change the brake fluid to ensure the safety of themselves and others. In every trip, you can press the brake pedal with peace of mind and peace of mind.
Automotive knowledge