Does Brake Fluid Go Bad? Learn When to Change It

Your brakes hustle every day, but does brake fluid go bad over time? Undoubtedly, you check your oil and monitor your tyres on a regular basis. But when was the last time you monitored your brake fluid? You must have wondered that sometimes when you use the brakes, the response you expect is not firm. This happens because your brake fluid does not last forever.

At the very first glance, you will not be able to notice the shift. Eventually, the brake pedal feels spongy and you will find it difficult to stop the car. You will catch the signs of the brake warning light appearing on the dashboard.

Thus, if you want to enjoy a smooth driving experience, you should keep brake fluid at the very top of your car service checklist. In this article, we will dive in to discover why your brake fluid fails and when you should visit a nearby mechanic Perth to get it replaced.

What Is Brake Fluid?

When you hit the brake, a special hydraulic brake fluid transfers force from your foot to your braking system. This is what you recognise as brake fluid.

The moment you press the brake pedal, brake fluid pushes a wave of power down the lines to squeeze the wheels and stop the car. Moreover, this happens in a fraction of seconds. You must have now understood why brake fluid is one of the most important fluids in your vehicle.

Types Of Brake Fluids

To avoid damage to your brake system, you should understand that brake fluid comes in four different types. Each type has a different chemical composition and a boiling point and should be checked properly before pouring it into your reservoir.

1] DOT 3

You will find that DOT 3 fluid is the most common in standard cars today. It is a glycol-based fluid and has a boiling point of 205°C. You will notice that it is suitable for everyday driving but less effective under heavy braking.

2] DOT 4

When you drive modern cars and SUVs, then it is more likely that they run on DOT 4 fluid. It is also a glycol-based fluid but has a higher boiling point than DOT 3. You will find it performing better under higher temperatures.

3] DOT 5

You must know that DOT 5 is silicon-based and not glycol-based fluid. It does not absorb moisture like glycol-based fluids and is used in military or specialist vehicles.

4] DOT 5.1

Despite its name, you will find that it is a glycol-based fluid. It is used in high-performance vehicles with advanced braking systems.

Why Does Brake Fluid Fail?

You must wonder, why does brake fluid go bad? Well! The answer to bad brake fluid lies in the most common reasons given below.

1] Hygroscopic Nature

You must know that the nature of the brake fluid is “hygroscopic”, which means they pull the moisture from the air, even when you never open the system. This happens because of the tiny vents in your hoses, brake lines, and reservoir caps, and may cause a drop in braking performance.

2] Drop In Boiling Point

Water boils at a much lower temperature than the brake fluid. Fresh DOT 3 fluid handles heat up to 205°C, but once it just absorbs 3% of water, its boiling point drops to below 140°C. Suppose you brake hard; then these trapped waters will turn into vapour bubbles because of the intense heat. For this reason, your brake pedal will feel spongy and lose your stopping power.

3] Corrosion Of Metals

Moreover, it will corrode your metal slowly and silently without timely brake system maintenance. Your calipers, brake lines, and master cylinders are all metallic, so the moisture inside your fluid will eat them away from the inside out. When you do routine brake fluid maintenance, you keep these costly damages away.

How Long Does Brake Fluid Last In A Car? The Lifespan Of A Brake Fluid

One question that may arise in your mind is how long does brake fluid last in a car. The answer depends on your car type, your driving habits and the type of brake fluid it uses. Most manufacturers will recommend you replace brake fluid every two to three years. When you regularly maintain your brake fluid, it automatically adds to your safety.

4 Common Signs Signifies Your Brake Fluid Has Gone Bad

You don’t need to visit the mechanic to understand the flaw in the brake fluid. Clues are already given to you by your braking system itself if you notice the following signs:

1] Your brake pedal feels spongy

When you press the brakes and it feels soft, then it is a clear indication that there is moisture in your brake lines. Thus, you should look for the nearest car brake service Perth to get fixed before the condition turns severe.

2] Your fluid looks dark or cloudy

When you inspect and find that the fluid looks dark brown, cloudy, and dirty, then it is a sign that you need to book a service to change brake fluid.

3] Your brake warning lights come on

Your brake warning lights exist to indicate that the fluid is low or not performing its job properly. Thus, you should go for a full vehicle inspection or just brake repair Perth.

4] Your stopping distance grows

When your vehicle requires more distance to come to a stop, it often is a signal that there is trouble in the brake fluid.

What Speeds Up Brake Fluid Damage?

There are several reasons that push the fluid-damaging process faster than others. And it can affect overall vehicle performance if not diagnosed by experienced mechanics or auto repair Perth.

1] Heat Cycles

Your brakes heat up and cool down every time you take a drive. This repeated heating and cooling slowly stresses your brake fluid and results in its damage.

2] Hilly Terrain

When you drive through hills, your brakes work much harder on downhill stretches. This generates extra heat load and degrades your brake fluid.

3] Humid Climates

When you drive in humid climates, brake fluid absorbs moisture faster. This will result in faster contamination of your brake fluid.

4] Stop-and-go traffic

When you drive in a city, you use constant brakes because of the traffic. This generates constant heat, resulting in faster ageing of your fluid.

Conclusion

Your brakes are one of the vital safety systems in your vehicle.

Clean brake fluid helps to keep your brake system proper. When you check your brake fluid regularly and replace it at the recommended interval, you enjoy greater peace of mind by preventing costly repairs.

When you are searching for reliable car brake service Perth or the best mechanic Perth, SAI Auto Care is always there to deliver you top-notch service. Our quality and experienced inspection team will fully inspect your brake fluid condition, pads, and rotors.

Book your next service with SAI Auto Care to drive with confidence and enjoy every ride.

FAQ’s

Q. 1 How do you know that your brake fluid is bad?

Answer 1:
If your brake fluid looks dirty and cloudy and your brake pedals feels spongy, then it is a clear indication that your brake fluid is bad.

Q. 2 Can you use out-of-date brake fluid?

Answer 2:
No. You should not use out-of-date brake fluid, as expired brake fluid reduces your car’s braking performance by absorbing moisture.

Q.3 How long is brake fluid good for?

Answer 3:
It will depend on your vehicle and driving habits. However, brake fluid usually lasts for 2-3 years.

Q. 4 Can I add brake fluid myself?

Answer 4:
Yes, you can add brake fluid yourself, but if the level keeps dropping, then you should get it inspected by a professional.

Q. 5 Can low brake fluid affect braking?

Answer 5:
Yes. When your brake fluid is low, it can reduce hydraulic pressure, causing poor braking and a spongy brake pedal.

Q. 6 How do I know which brake fluid is right for my car?

Answer 6:
To find the correct specification among DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1, you should consider checking either your owner’s manual or the brake fluid reservoir cap.