How Often Should Volvo Brake Fluid Be Replaced?
1 Answers
Volvo recommends inspecting the brake fluid approximately every 4 years or replacing it every 60,000 kilometers. However, this is only a general guideline and should be adjusted based on the vehicle's usage. Brake fluid is somewhat corrosive and highly hygroscopic. A dedicated brake fluid tester can be used to check the moisture content in the brake fluid to determine if replacement is necessary. Additionally, the color of the brake fluid can be observed—if it appears black, it should be replaced. Extended Information: 1. Criteria for Brake Fluid Replacement: The sole criterion for determining whether brake fluid needs replacement is its moisture content. It is generally advised to visit a professional repair shop where a brake fluid moisture tester can accurately measure the moisture level. If the moisture content exceeds 5%, the brake fluid is deemed unfit for use and must be replaced immediately. If the moisture content is found to be above 3%, it indicates that the brake fluid has begun to deteriorate significantly. Although it hasn't reached the 5% threshold, the owner should be prepared to replace it as soon as possible. 2. Hazards of Not Replacing Brake Fluid Promptly: Prolonged failure to replace brake fluid can reduce braking force, leading to air resistance in the brake lines, which affects braking performance. Additionally, it may corrode the brake lines, damaging the internal valves of the anti-lock braking hydraulic assembly and severely impairing the responsiveness of the braking system. Furthermore, prolonged use of old brake fluid can cause wear to the pistons in the brake pump, resulting in contaminated brake fluid.
