What are the effects of not changing brake fluid?
4 Answers
Not changing the brake fluid will reduce braking force, causing air resistance in the brake lines, thereby affecting braking performance. It may also corrode the brake lines, leading to damage to the internal valves of the anti-lock braking hydraulic assembly, severely impacting the transmission response of the brake system. Prolonged use of brake fluid can also cause wear to the rubber cups and pistons in the brake pump, resulting in contaminated brake fluid. Brake fluid is a solution that easily mixes with water. Over time, some moisture or impurities may enter through the holes in the fluid reservoir, and mixing with water can significantly lower the boiling point of the brake fluid. Once it reaches a certain level, when the driver uses the braking system, many air resistances due to high-temperature evaporation may appear in the pipelines. At this point, the braking force will noticeably decrease or even fail, increasing the risk of driving.
I remember one time I had to brake hard on the highway, and the pedal felt unusually soft. Later, during a check-up, I found out it was because the brake fluid hadn't been changed for too long. It had absorbed a lot of moisture, which lowered its boiling point. When braking, the fluid could easily boil and create air bubbles, leading to insufficient braking power—a serious issue. If you don't change the fluid for a long time, it can also corrode metal components in the braking system, like pistons and brake lines. Eventually, this could cause the ABS system to fail or even result in complete brake failure. Just thinking about it is scary—a friend of mine rear-ended someone because of this. My advice to everyone is: don't delay! Generally, you should change the brake fluid every two years or 30,000 kilometers. If you check the fluid reservoir and it looks cloudy or dark, address it early. Safety first—nothing is more important than that.
As a DIY car enthusiast, I've experienced the consequences of forgetting to change brake fluid - the brakes started feeling soft and weak. When I took it to the repair shop, the mechanic said the fluid had deteriorated and absorbed moisture, causing its boiling point to drop significantly and creating bubbles that affected hydraulic transmission. That's not all - corrosion issues were also a headache, like rusted calipers and master cylinders leading to much higher repair costs. I've learned my lesson and now change it regularly every two years, while also checking the fluid condition. Simple maintenance can prevent major troubles. Developing this habit brings peace of mind and saves money - don't wait until something goes wrong to regret it.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, continuously absorbing moisture from the air, which causes its boiling point to drop sharply. For example, new fluid may have a boiling point of 260°C, while old fluid could drop to 180°C. When braking generates high temperatures, the fluid boils and forms bubbles, preventing the hydraulic system from transmitting sufficient pressure to the brake pads, drastically reducing braking power—a serious hazard. Many vehicles I've encountered suffer from extended braking distances or even complete failure due to this issue. Timely replacement protects the entire system from rust and blockages, with a general recommendation to change it no less frequently than every two years.
