What are the benefits of replacing brake fluid?
3 Answers
Replacing brake fluid ensures the vehicle's braking performance, maintains the car, and extends the service life of the braking system. When replacing brake fluid regularly, it is best to use the original manufacturer's brake fluid. Additional information: 1. Reasons for changing brake fluid: After prolonged use, the rubber cups and pistons in the brake master cylinder may wear out, causing the brake fluid to become contaminated, making replacement advisable. Brake fluid is crucial, so it's important to choose carefully. Inferior or low-quality brake fluid can corrode the rubber seals in the brake master cylinder and negatively affect braking performance. Therefore, if brake fluid is low, it's best to purchase the original vehicle's brake fluid from a specialized repair shop rather than trying to save small amounts of money at the risk of higher costs later. 2. The role of brake fluid: Brake fluid, also known as automotive hydraulic brake fluid, transmits the force applied by the driver's foot on the brake pedal through the master cylinder piston to the wheel cylinders via the brake fluid. This action causes the brake pads to engage, stopping the vehicle. When the brake is released, return springs pull the pads back to their original position. Throughout this process, brake fluid serves as the medium for force transmission.
I've been driving a taxi for nearly 20 years, and brake fluid is definitely not something you should skimp on replacing. Over time, it absorbs moisture, and when there's too much water content, its boiling point drops. Imagine driving long distances downhill in summer with continuous braking—temperatures soar. If the fluid boils and bubbles, the brake pedal will feel spongy when pressed, making it impossible to stop the car. That's no joke. After replacing it with fresh fluid, the braking response becomes noticeably sharper, with a solid pedal feel—just one firm press in an emergency brings the car to a halt. Also, old fluid can corrode the caliper pistons, and getting them unstuck can cost thousands in repairs. Regular fluid changes, costing just a few hundred bucks each time, save you big trouble—and most importantly, they're crucial for safety. I set a rule for my own car: change it every two years or 40,000 kilometers. That way, I feel much more at ease driving on the highway.
I just changed the brake fluid in my old car a few days ago, and the improvement is remarkable. The most noticeable difference is how much more responsive the brake pedal feels now, without that delayed sensation I used to experience. The mechanic explained that over time, brake fluid absorbs moisture like a sponge. When the water content gets too high, it not only causes vapor lock but also leads to corrosion in the brake lines and calipers - repair costs for that could buy several bottles of new brake fluid. After switching to fresh DOT4 fluid, the boiling point has increased significantly, making frequent braking during mountain road driving much more stable. My advice to fellow car owners: don't cut corners on this. Follow your maintenance manual's recommended intervals for replacement. I consider this an essential maintenance item - when it comes to safety, there's no such thing as being too careful.