Is it necessary to change brake fluid?
2 Answers
Brake fluid needs to be changed under the following circumstances: 1. When the brake fluid absorbs moisture or contains impurities; 2. When the vehicle experiences inconsistent braking force during normal driving, the brake fluid should be replaced promptly; 3. When the wheel cylinder rubber cup expands excessively; 4. Brake fluid should be replaced every two years. The functions of brake fluid include energy transmission, heat dissipation, corrosion prevention, rust prevention, and lubrication. The method for changing brake fluid is: 1. Park the vehicle on level ground and turn off the engine, then open the engine hood and drain the fluid from the reservoir; 2. Use a funnel to fill the reservoir with new brake fluid; 3. Press the brake pedal inside the vehicle until the fluid level in the reservoir under the engine hood reaches the lower limit.
I'm a veteran taxi driver with over 20 years of experience, and I've seen too many accidents caused by brake fluid issues. Brake fluid is highly prone to absorbing moisture. Over time, you'll feel the pedal getting spongy when you brake, causing delayed response in critical moments. It might not be noticeable in city driving, but it becomes dangerous during long trips or when going down steep slopes. I always keep a moisture test pen in my car and have my apprentice check the fluid condition every year. It's dirt cheap—just a hundred bucks or so to replace it, which is way cheaper than repairing a brake pump. Pay attention to how the brake pedal feels. If the travel distance becomes longer or the stopping distance increases, get it replaced immediately. Don't skimp on something that could save your life.
