Can I Change the Brake Fluid Myself?
2 Answers
Brake fluid can be changed by yourself. Brake fluid, also known as hydraulic fluid, is a functional liquid in the vehicle's braking system that transmits pressure to enable the braking action on the wheels. The functions of brake fluid are: 1. It has a very low freezing point, ensuring good fluidity at low temperatures; 2. It has an extremely high boiling point, preventing vapor lock at high temperatures; 3. It does not cause corrosion to metal or rubber. The method for changing brake fluid is: 1. Park the vehicle on level ground, turn off the engine, open the hood, and drain the fluid from the reservoir; 2. Use a funnel to refill the reservoir with new brake fluid; 3. Use a jack to lift the vehicle and remove the tires, starting with the rear wheels; 4. Remove the rubber dust cap from the brake caliper; 5. Use a wrench to loosen the bleed screw and attach a rubber tube to it, connecting it to a drain bottle; 6. Press the brake pedal inside the car while observing the fluid drainage until the fluid level in the reservoir under the hood reaches the lower limit; 7. Start the vehicle and perform a brake test in a relatively safe area.
Changing brake fluid can indeed be done by yourself, but it requires careful operation. As someone who frequently tinkers with vehicles, I must say this isn't a task for beginners. The whole process requires preparing a brake fluid pump, new brake fluid, a container to catch the old fluid, as well as safety gloves and goggles. The key steps are to first drain the old fluid, clean the system, and then fill it with new fluid while avoiding air entrapment—otherwise, the brakes may feel spongy or even fail. I've seen a friend attempt this and end up with a leak, nearly causing brake failure. I highly recommend checking your vehicle's manual first, gathering the right tools before starting, and stopping immediately to consult a professional if anything feels off. After all, driving safety is paramount—don't cut corners or take risks. Regularly checking brake fluid levels can extend brake system life, and it's best to replace it every two years.
