Does Turbid Brake Fluid Need to Be Replaced?
2 Answers
Brake fluid needs to be replaced if it becomes turbid. Here is relevant information about brake fluid: 1. In the wheel cylinder, iron filings generated by the piston's back-and-forth movement can fall into the brake fluid, causing it to become turbid; 2. Since the main components of brake fluid are alcohol-based and ester-based oils, which have strong water absorption, it can absorb moisture from the air through the brake vent holes. Increased water content lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid, making it more prone to boiling and vaporization; 3. Brake fluid, also known as hydraulic brake fluid, is an essential part of the braking system. In the braking system, it serves as a medium for force transmission. Because liquids cannot be compressed, the pressure output from the master cylinder is directly transmitted to the wheel cylinders through the brake fluid.
I remember a few years ago when the brake fluid in my car turned cloudy, and I didn’t pay much attention to it. As a result, the brakes felt spongy, and I almost rear-ended another car. Later, when I took it to the repair shop, the mechanic said moisture and dirt had entered the fluid, lowering its boiling point and reducing braking performance. Now, I make sure to change it every two years or follow the maintenance manual’s recommendations. I also regularly check the fluid by opening the reservoir cap to see if it’s clear—if it’s yellowish or has particles, it’s time for a change. Never delay this—safety comes first. A fluid change only costs around a couple hundred bucks, which is far cheaper than dealing with an accident.
