Is the Suggestion to Avoid Changing Brake Fluid Lightly Correct?
1 Answers
It is incorrect to suggest that brake fluid should not be changed lightly, as issues with brake fluid can significantly impact braking performance. Automobile manufacturers generally recommend changing brake fluid every 2 to 3 years. This is because brake fluid is an alcohol-based oil product, and over time, moisture from the air can permeate into the fluid. This may cause the brake fluid to boil due to high temperatures in the braking system, leading to severe consequences such as brake failure. The replacement interval for brake fluid can be adjusted slightly earlier or later based on factors such as vehicle usage, mileage, driving conditions, and the responsiveness of the braking system. For new cars, since the original factory brake fluid is of higher quality, the replacement interval can be extended slightly, typically to around 5 years. For normal vehicles, the recommended replacement time is approximately every 2 to 3 years or around 50,000 kilometers. Precautions for changing brake fluid: Avoid introducing air into the brake fluid, ensure the drain bolt is tightened to prevent leaks, and prevent contamination from impurities, dust, and moisture. Do not mix different types or brands of brake fluid. For braking systems with special requirements, use the specific brand or type of brake fluid recommended. Since different brands and types of brake fluid have varying formulations, mixing them can degrade the performance of the brake fluid. Even if certain brands claim compatibility or substitutability, long-term mixing should still be avoided.
