How Often Should Brake Fluid Be Changed in a Car?
3 Answers
Brake fluid should be changed every two years in a car. The functions of brake fluid include transmitting energy, dissipating heat, preventing corrosion and rust, as well as lubrication. Its characteristics are: 1. Good viscosity-temperature performance, low freezing point, and excellent low-temperature fluidity; 2. High boiling point, no vapor lock at high temperatures; 3. Minimal quality changes, causing no corrosion or deterioration to metal and rubber components. The method for changing brake fluid is: 1. Position the vehicle over an inspection pit or lift it with a jack; 2. Clean the drain port, remove the dust cap, unscrew the drain screw, repeatedly press the brake pedal until the fluid runs clear, then tighten the drain screw; 3. Add new brake fluid.
When it comes to brake fluid replacement, I've been driving for almost twenty years and I'm used to changing it every two years or after driving 40,000 kilometers. Let me remind you, brake fluid is particularly prone to absorbing water, and when the humidity is high, the braking performance plummets. I've personally experienced a soft brake pedal feel on rainy days. When I took it to the repair shop for a test, the water content was over 3%! Now I keep a brake fluid tester on hand—just unscrew the rubber cap, insert the tip for 30 seconds, and you get the results. If you frequently drive on mountain roads or often brake hard, you should increase the frequency of fluid changes. Brake failure is a life-threatening issue, and the cost of changing the fluid is definitely not something to skimp on.
I recently used professional equipment to test the moisture content in my brake fluid, which can accurately measure changes in boiling points. For regular family cars, it's generally recommended to replace the brake fluid every two years, but the actual interval depends on driving conditions. For example, if you frequently drive in humid areas or often carry heavy loads on long trips, putting more strain on the braking system, the fluid might degrade noticeably in as little as a year and a half. When replacing the fluid, always follow the manual's specifications, as different vehicle models require different DOT standards. Last time when I changed the fluid in my SUV, the mechanic mentioned the new fluid had a boiling point of 260°C, while the old one had dropped below 180°C—that difference is like pouring mineral water into your brake lines!
