How often should the brake fluid be changed in the Envision?
4 Answers
The brake fluid in the Envision should be changed every 15 months or 25,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. The function of brake fluid is to transmit the braking pressure to the brake pistons at all four wheels, pushing the pistons to clamp the brake pads and rotors, thereby achieving the braking effect. Brake fluid also has a strong tendency to absorb moisture. When moisture-laden brake fluid is subjected to pressure, the water can vaporize and create air bubbles, which can impair braking performance. Therefore, it is essential to inspect and replace the brake fluid periodically. The Envision is a mid-size SUV produced by SAIC-GM Buick, with body dimensions of 4,686 mm in length, 1,839 mm in width, and 1,691 mm in height. It offers a choice between a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The 1.5-liter variant is equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission across all trims, while the 2.0-liter variant comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Having driven for so many years, I have quite some experience with brake fluid changes. For models like the Buick Envision, the brake fluid should be replaced every two years or checked after driving about 20,000 kilometers. Over time, brake fluid absorbs moisture, which affects braking performance. If not replaced on time, the brakes may feel spongy during emergency stops, which is particularly dangerous. My own car had this issue before, but fortunately, I discovered it in time and got it fixed. I recommend regularly checking the color of the brake fluid—if it turns black or contains impurities, take it to a 4S shop or a professional garage for an immediate replacement. The whole replacement process is quite quick, taking no more than half an hour, and costs around 200 to 300 RMB. During routine maintenance, keep an eye on the dashboard warning lights, just in case. After all, safe driving is the top priority—don’t skimp on this small expense.
Braking is a matter of life and death, and should never be taken lightly. The brake fluid in the Buick Envision is recommended to be replaced every two years, or approximately every 30,000 kilometers depending on usage intensity. Why is this so important? Because brake fluid absorbs moisture, which lowers its boiling point and can cause failure under high temperatures, leading to brake malfunction. I've seen a friend's car almost rear-end another vehicle due to delayed replacement. During daily driving, regularly test the moisture content of the brake fluid—a simple pen-type tester will do. If the reading exceeds the standard, promptly visit a professional service center. Don't cut corners by attempting DIY fixes; the braking system is highly complex. Safety is the foundation of driving, so don't hesitate to spend on this essential maintenance cost.
From a technical perspective, let's talk about brake fluid replacement. For vehicles like the Buick Envision, the brake fluid should be changed every two years, and it's generally recommended to inspect it after driving 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers. This is because the fluid absorbs moisture from the air, which lowers its boiling point. During high-temperature driving, this can lead to brake failure and reduced braking performance. When replacing the fluid, a professional pump is used to completely drain the old fluid before refilling with new fluid, ensuring there are no air bubbles in the lines. During routine maintenance, I often ask the shop to test the fluid's color and moisture content—if it appears yellowish-brown or cloudy, it's time for a change. The entire process doesn't take much time, but the key is to maintain a sealed system to avoid contamination. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of brake pads, making it a cost-effective practice in the long run.
