How many kilometers should a car drive before changing the brake fluid?
2 Answers
The replacement cycle for brake fluid is 2 years or 40,000 kilometers. Additional information: 1. The replacement cycle can only serve as a reference. To determine whether the brake fluid needs to be replaced, you should check the moisture content of the brake fluid. Excessive moisture content will directly affect the dry and wet boiling points, not only impacting the stability of the brake fluid but also potentially causing braking failure during continuous braking. 2. The method to check the moisture content of brake fluid involves preparing a brake fluid moisture tester, opening the brake fluid reservoir, and inserting the tester directly to measure. 3. When the measurement result exceeds 3%, it is time to replace the brake fluid.
In my over 20 years of driving, I've found that changing brake fluid too frequently or too infrequently is not ideal. Generally, it's recommended to change it every two years or every 30,000 kilometers, but this depends on the vehicle model and driving habits. During one of my maintenance visits, the mechanic mentioned that brake fluid absorbs moisture, which lowers its boiling point, leading to softer brakes and slower response at high speeds—posing significant risks. Living in a rainy area requires extra caution; I proactively change the fluid every 20,000 kilometers for both cost savings and safety. Regularly use an onboard diagnostic tool or visit a shop to test moisture content, and replace it immediately if levels exceed the limit. Don't ignore signs like darkened, aged fluid or excessive bubbles, as these can easily lead to accidents. This expense is well worth it in the overall maintenance budget and can also extend the lifespan of the braking system.
