How Often Should Brake Fluid and Transmission Fluid Be Replaced?
2 Answers
Brake fluid should generally be replaced every 50,000 kilometers, with a maximum interval of 60,000 kilometers or 3 years, whichever comes first. Exceeding these limits may cause the brake fluid to deteriorate, absorb moisture, or become contaminated, leading to reduced braking performance. Below is an extended explanation: Function of Brake Fluid: If you primarily drive at low speeds in the city and rarely on highways, you might not notice any issues even if the brake fluid is dirty. However, for those who frequently drive on highways or encounter situations requiring rapid or repeated braking, the braking force may noticeably diminish after multiple consecutive applications. Brake fluid serves to transmit force—it should neither be too thin nor too thick, as both conditions can affect braking efficiency. Most critically, it must not contain water, as moisture can vaporize when heated, creating air pockets. Since air is compressible, this can significantly impair braking performance.
Regarding the replacement intervals for brake fluid and transmission fluid, I usually like to refer to the car manual and combine it with practical experience. For brake fluid, I recommend changing it every two years or around 40,000 kilometers, as it tends to absorb moisture over time, which can affect braking performance. It's dangerous if high temperatures cause brake failure. As for transmission fluid, it depends on the vehicle type. Automatic transmission cars should have it changed at around 50,000 kilometers, while manual transmissions can last longer, up to 80,000 kilometers. I've seen many owners wait until the transmission starts making noises before changing it, only to end up with repair costs that could have covered ten fluid changes. Remember to completely drain the old fluid during replacement, as residual impurities can accelerate the aging of the new fluid.