Brakes and the surrounding components are integral to keeping a vehicle road legal and suitable for travelling across the country.
This guide looks at everything you will need to know about brake fluid and changing it when necessary.
What is brake fluid?
Brake fluid is a type of hydraulic liquid that is used in brake and clutch systems in many types of vehicles.
It is an important part of the braking process. When a driver applies force to the brakes, the fluid amplifies the force to help slow the vehicle – as well as acting as a lubricant in the system and prevents corrosion to other crucial components.
By helping to transfer and increase the force a driver applies to the brake pedal, it helps improve the safety of the vehicle.
Brake fluids are normally glycol-ether or silicone-based and are designed to have a high boiling point.
This is because the braking process can create intense heat quickly – especially during an emergency stop.
Topping up and replacing the fluid are an important part of owning a vehicle, and something that should be done on a regular basis.
What is a brake fluid change?
Also known as a brake fluid flush, or brake fluid replacement, a brake fluid change is the process of removing the old liquid and adding some fresh, clean solution.
It is an important part of regular car maintenance, and something that can either be done at home or at a local trusted garage.
Over time, brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air, which leads to its decreased effectiveness in the braking process and helping fight corrosion.
The car owner’s manual will outline the type of brake fluid your vehicle will need and how often you should do it.
Changing brake fluid is a delicate process and something that should only be carried out by a Mobile Mechanic or at a local garage.
Here are the steps taken by a mechanic:
- Open the bonnet and locate the fluid reservoir.
- Using a siphon or transfer pump, they will take out as much of the old fluid as possible.
- They will then fill up the reservoir to the suggested limit with the correct formula.
- Starting with the rear wheels, they’ll locate the brake calliper and bleeder valve and then attach a clear tube onto the valve that leads into an old container. The mechanic will then work with a colleague to repeat the process on all four wheels.
- They will then tighten up the wheel nuts will ensure the vehicle is ready to be driven again. The mechanic will then lower the vehicle and before setting off test that the brakes feel firm when pressure is applied.
Brake fluid change cost
A brake fluid change at a mechanics in the UK will cost from around £80 – although this can be significantly more for higher spec models.
This price will include both the new fluid and any work that is carried out at the garage.
A higher quality brake fluid and replacing the old solution will come with a higher price tag of over £100.
Drivers should also be aware that if the fluid hasn’t been changed in a while, then there could also be damage to other parts of the braking system – and this can come with a much higher cost.
How often should you change brake fluid?
Car owners should change their vehicle’s brake fluid every two years, or every 24,000 miles.
However, this can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, quality of the brake fluid, and driving style.
In some cases, owners will need to have the brake fluid changed every year during their MOT or service. Book your MOT and Service Plan today.
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