What are the symptoms indicating the need for brake fluid replacement?
3 Answers
The symptoms indicating the need for brake fluid replacement include the brake fluid becoming dirty, turning black, or the brakes feeling soft. Below is detailed information about brake fluid: 1. Overview: Brake fluid generally refers to the automotive brake fluid. There are mainly three types. Under normal circumstances, the working pressure of brake fluid is 2MPa, and it can reach up to 4-5MPa. 2. Classification: There are three types of brake fluid. They are castor oil-alcohol type, synthetic type, and mineral oil type. 3. Working principle: It is incompressible. In a sealed container or a pipeline filled with liquid, when the liquid is under pressure, the pressure is quickly and uniformly transmitted to all parts of the liquid.
I think there are several obvious symptoms when brake fluid needs to be replaced. The most common one is that the brake pedal feels softer or has a longer travel distance, as if stepping on cotton, and the response is not as sharp as before. This is because over time, brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air, which lowers its boiling point and reduces performance. Especially during continuous braking or downhill driving, vapor lock is more likely to occur, affecting braking effectiveness. Another symptom is a change in the color of the brake fluid, from clear light yellow to cloudy, dark, or even containing particles. You can check this by opening the hood and looking at the fluid reservoir. Ignoring these changes may lead to corrosion or complete failure of the braking system, increasing the risk of accidents. Therefore, I recommend replacing it every two years or according to the mileage specified in the vehicle's manual. Safety first, and developing good habits is important.
It's my habit to open the hood and check the brake fluid myself. An abnormally low fluid level or leakage marks on the reservoir surface are warning signs. If the fluid changes color—for example, from transparent light yellow to dark brown and cloudy—it indicates water absorption or contamination, requiring immediate replacement. A spongy or slow-rebound brake pedal can also signal problems. Don't wait for the warning light; regular maintenance like changing it every two years is low-cost but highly beneficial, preventing damage to the master or wheel cylinders. I've also tested braking performance—if the stopping distance noticeably increases, it's time to change the fluid. Addressing it promptly avoids costly repairs.
