Where did all my brake fluid go?
Its location depends on the type of car you have. The brake booster is on the driver’s side of your vehicle, usually up near the firewall. Just in front of that, sitting on and connected to the brake master cylinder, is the brake fluid reservoir, usually a plastic canister like the one shown here.
Do I really need to change my brake fluid?
Brake fluid flushes are recommended every 30,000 miles or 2 years, depending on your driving and braking patterns. For drivers with shorter, brake-heavy commutes, the 2-year mark may be more appropriate for proper brake protection. Your vehicle year, make, and model may also affect your brake fluid flush cadence.
What to do when your front brake fluid leaks?
Front calipers are easy to spot leaks when they leak. If you have drum brakes on the rear, you may need to pull off the drum to check the wheel brake cylinders. Peel back the rubber boot on each end of the wheel cylinder and look for any fluid leaks there. Another place to check is at the back of the master cylinder.
Why does brake fluid have to be topped off?
The braking system in a vehicle is designed to circulate brake fluid, using it create the pressure against the wheels when slowing or stopping is desired. It is a closed system, which means that the fluid doesn’t evaporate over time and require periodic topping off when it is operating optimally.
How long does brake fluid last in a car?
Brake fluid lives in a sealed system and can survive for years, but moisture from the surrounding air can work its way in through hoses and other parts of the brake system.
Why does water in brake lines cause corrosion?
Water in the brake lines lowers the boiling point of the fluid, so stopping ability can diminish in hard stops as heat in the system increases. In addition, over time the moisture can cause internal corrosion in the brake lines, calipers, the master cylinder and other components.