How Often Should Brake Fluid Be Replaced in a Sedan?
2 Answers
It is recommended to replace the brake fluid in a sedan every 2 years. Brake fluid has certain corrosive properties and strong water absorption. Nowadays, repair shops have specialized tools to test the water content in brake fluid, so you can perform a test to determine if replacement is necessary. Brake fluid must be replaced regularly when it reaches the maintenance interval, and it is advisable to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. Generally, brake fluid should be replaced every two years, as prolonged use can cause wear to the rubber cups and pistons in the brake pump, leading to contamination of the brake fluid, which is why replacement is recommended. Brake fluid is crucial, and when selecting it, be cautious—using substandard or low-quality brake fluid can corrode the rubber seals in the brake pump and negatively impact braking performance. Therefore, if the brake fluid is low, it is best to purchase the original vehicle's brake fluid from an authorized repair shop.
I drive my car quite a lot and usually don't pay much attention to maintenance details, but when it comes to brake fluid, I've really learned my lesson. Last year, I drove over 20,000 kilometers without changing it, and the brakes felt spongy and unresponsive. Later, when I took it to the mechanic, the technician explained that brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air, which lowers its boiling point and can cause sudden failure during high-temperature emergency braking. The standard recommendation is to change it every two years or 30,000 kilometers, but I've found that if you frequently drive in congested city traffic, the fluid gets dirty faster and may need replacement sooner. Checking it yourself isn't hard—just open the hood and look at the color of the brake fluid reservoir. If it's cloudy or black, it's time for a change. Don't forget, this is a safety issue. I now remind my friends to change it regularly so they can drive with peace of mind.
