How many kilometers should the brake fluid be replaced for the Envision?
3 Answers
The brake fluid for the Envision should be replaced every 25,000 kilometers or every 15 months, whichever comes first. Brake fluid has strong water absorption properties and gradually absorbs moisture from the surrounding air, leading to slow deterioration. When brake fluid that has absorbed moisture is pressurized, the moisture vaporizes and creates bubbles, causing the brakes to feel spongy. This severely affects braking performance and can also corrode the brake lines. Therefore, regular inspection and replacement of brake fluid are essential. The Envision is the first mid-size SUV model produced by the Buick brand in China. Taking the 2021 Envision 532T Front-Wheel Drive Leading Edition as an example, it is equipped with a 1.5T 169-horsepower L4 turbocharged engine and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The vehicle's exterior dimensions are 4694mm in length, 1839mm in width, and 1686mm in height.
I've been driving my Enclave for over three years now, and I specifically asked the mechanic about brake fluid during my recent maintenance. He said that in most cases, it's safer to change it every 40,000 kilometers or every two years because brake fluid absorbs moisture, and over time, its boiling point decreases, which can make the brakes feel spongy. Last time, I went over by 5,000 kilometers without changing it, and I clearly felt the brakes weren't as responsive, especially when going downhill—it was hard to stop. After replacing it with new fluid, the response was much quicker, and the braking felt more stable. So don't wait until there's a problem to change it. You can also refer to the manual's recommendations, and if you drive frequently, get it checked early. The braking system is crucial for safety, so it's advisable to test the fluid's moisture content during regular maintenance—if it's high, it needs to be replaced. If you drive a lot in the city where there's more dust, you should also pay attention to the cleanliness of the fluid.
Having worked in a repair shop for many years, I've encountered numerous cases of brake failures in the Envision. Brake fluid should generally be replaced every 40,000 kilometers. Otherwise, as it absorbs moisture, the water content increases, the boiling point of the fluid decreases, and the brakes may suddenly fail or even cause corrosion in the brake lines. It's common for owners who go on long trips without changing the fluid to experience brake failure in the summer heat, leading to accidents. Replacing it is simple—just use the OEM-recommended DOT4 standard fluid. You can usually check the fluid level in the reservoir yourself; if it's low, top it up but avoid mixing different types. Don’t delay too long—risks increase significantly after 50,000 kilometers. It's advisable to have a professional shop test the fluid's moisture content; if it exceeds 3%, it's time for a change. Frequent city traffic and stop-and-go driving accelerate wear, so it's best to address it early.
