The most important system in the automobile, for safety, is the brake system. You change your brake pads when they have outlived their useful life, right? How about brake fluid? Many people overlook that component of the brake system, even though it is an essential part.
It has been shown that brake fluid becomes contaminated, on average, every two years. This is important because with it being a hydraulic fluid, its job is to transmit force and apply the brakes. As it becomes contaminated with moisture, the once non-compressible fluid now does compress, causing you to press harder on the brakes for the same amount of stopping power. This means that in a panic stop scenario, the more contaminated the fluid becomes, the longer it will take for you to be able to stop your vehicle.
In modern vehicles with Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), there is even more reason to flush the brake fluid regularly. Dirty brake fluid can damage the sophisticated and expensive ABS control equipment.
To avoid reduced brake efficiency and component damage, have your trusted repair facility do a system check on your brakes to see what the condition of your brake fluid is. It is also a good idea to have some other overlooked items performed while they are doing that. First, have a full inspection of all the brake components performed to see not only how the pads and fluid are doing, but also the lines and hoses. Next, if you have rear drum brakes, these will come out of adjustment so you should make sure to have that corrected too. And lastly, make sure that the emergency brake is adjusted properly too.
Now that the system has been taken care of, it’s important to continue flushing the brake fluid every two years. In addition, be sure to have the other adjustments made at every brake job. This will ensure that the brake system will be there for you when you need it most and it will work at its peak efficiency. Stop by your local brake repair experts in Corpus Christi and ensure your vehicle has the stopping power to keep you safe and out of any potential fender benders.