What Are the Reasons for Rapid Brake Fluid Loss?
2 Answers
Brake fluid decreases rapidly due to: 1. Brake pad wear, causing brake fluid to replenish the pipelines; 2. Leakage in the brake fluid pipelines. The functions of brake fluid are: 1. Brake fluid has a very low freezing point, ensuring good fluidity at low temperatures; 2. Brake fluid has an extremely high boiling point, preventing vapor lock at high temperatures; 3. It does not cause corrosion to metal and rubber. Methods to determine if brake fluid needs replacement: 1. Open the brake fluid reservoir cap—if the fluid appears cloudy or black, it needs replacement; 2. After driving normally at speeds above 40km/h, apply hard braking—if the braking distance significantly increases, replacement is required; 3. If the brakes feel soft or unstable during normal driving, replacement is needed.
Last week, I checked my old car and was startled to find the brake fluid level in the reservoir dropping rapidly. Experience tells me that when brake fluid decreases quickly, nine times out of ten, there's a leak in the braking system—such as loose pipe connections, aging or damaged caliper seals, or failed piston seals in the master cylinder. If these minor leaks aren't addressed promptly, fluid will slowly seep out, leading to reduced braking performance or even complete failure, which is no small matter. My neighbor’s car recently suffered total brake failure due to an unrepaired small crack, nearly causing an accident. Another common cause is excessively worn brake pads, which require more fluid to push the pistons, leading to frequent top-ups. During inspection, first check the wear on the brake discs and pads, then wipe off any oil traces with a clean cloth to locate the source. During regular maintenance, have a mechanic thoroughly inspect the entire system to prevent accidents. Driving safety is paramount—don’t procrastinate until a major issue arises.
