Your vehicle’s brakes are arguably one of the most vital safety features, and an equally important component in the brake system is brake fluid. This could be because the brake system is leaking internally, or it could be that your brake fluid was not appropriately refilled the last time the process was done.
When you check the brake fluid and find it is low, it shows a problem somewhere in the system, and other brake repairs cost more. This is even more dangerous if an accident occurs when your brakes are not functioning correctly.
Maintain the functionality of car brakes on the road and prevent accidents by learning how to inspect brake fluid and the signs suggesting adding more fluid to your brake master cylinder reservoir.
What Is Brake Fluid?
Brake fluid helps move the brake pedal, is a lubricant for your braking system, and prevents rusting. Current brake fluid types are glycol-ether (the most common type), silicone or DOT-5, and mineral oil or LHM.
How To Check Brake Fluid Level
The brake oil level deserves special attention as it is a critical factor in every car’s braking system. By simplifying these steps, you will ensure that your brakes are in good condition, thus avoiding such incidences that would lead to many accidents and costs. Well, let’s learn how to check your brake fluid level step by step.
1. Open your Car’s Hood
Before attempting to open the hood of your car, it is recommended that you turn off the engine and apply the handbrake. Find the hood release handle within the automobile, often positioned near the driver’s aspect or beneath the car dashboard.
Pull the lever to release the latch located in the hood. Next, walk to the front of the car, look for the secondary hood release latch somewhere under the hood, and open it. The brake oil fluid reservoir is often situated close to the rear part of the engine compartment, close to the firewall. It is expected to be made from translucent plastic and is marked to show the minimum and maximum level of the fluids in it.
2. Find the Brake Fluid Container
The brake fluid reservoir is usually placed at the back of the engine compartment but may be on either the driver’s or passenger’s side. The reservoir looks like a container with a black screw-on lid with a yellow logo. The most recognizable is an octagonal shape with a circle and brackets to either side of the slash.
It must be semi-transparent and should have graduated markings along the side for the minimum and maximum levels of the fluid. Clean brake fluid should be slightly golden in colour, which would be difficult to see if the board is dusty. Ensure the exterior part is well-cleaned to have a clear view of the interior and the flowing fluid.
3. Inspect Brake Fluid Levels
According to the Auto Care Shop Perth team, one can determine the brake fluid level by simply looking at the bristles of the container. The translucent plastic reservoir will also have markings showing the fluid’s minimal and maximal level. It should be at this level to check the brake fluid level, indicating it is between these two lines.
4. Check If the Brake Fluid Level Is Low
To do this, identify if the fluid level has gone below the minimum mark drawn on the side of the container. Driving with low brake fluid is unsafe because the braking power is diminished, and it would take longer to stop the car. It may also cause more potential accidents and frequent repairs of those machines that already have problems.
This means that if it gets to a situation where the car brake fluid is at a level that is below the minimum line, it should be replenished. It is advisable, at all times, to refer to the owner’s manual to establish the proper brake fluid type and capacity for your vehicle.
5. Top Up with the Correct Brake Fluid
This step should, however, be done carefully. Also, brake fluid comes in several classifications, and you should use the correct type that your car calls for. If you have never had to top up your brake fluid before, the type suitable for your vehicle should be in the handbook.
DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5, and DOT 5 are the latest in brake fluid type. To help you top up the brake fluid:
1. Use a funnel.
2. Add as much of the identified fluid as will take the maximum marker.
3. If it is impossible to use a funnel, carefully pour the liquid into the reservoir because brake fluid will damage your paint. If you spill something, it is important to clean that surface well to avoid aggravating the situation.
6. Be Wary Of The Signs
If the brake fluid level is low, it can be a sign of worn brakes. This is why it is sometimes necessary to inspect the brake system to be in perfect condition so that some mishaps do not happen. If the brake oil for car levels drops and must be topped up, this is another indication that there might be a leak. If that is so, it warrants fixing your car and ensuring that everything is well so that you don’t risk getting a severe accident.
7. Fix the Hood of Your Car
If you have ensured and supplemented the car brake fluid as a differential, then you need to close the hood of your car. To do this safely, lower the hood as low as possible, and then put it into the proper position over the car’s body. Push down the hood when the car engine is cold until the latch locks in place.
Conclusion
It is always essential to ensure your vehicle’s brake fluids are where they should be, although it is one of those maintenance procedures for which you can get help from an auto repair shop in Perth.
Thus, at our auto repair shop, we value the significance of ensuring the optimal performance of this part of a vehicle’s system, including, but not limited to, checking the brake fluid. Our auto repair services professional technicians can address all your brake services, from brake fluid flush to brake pad replacement to general brake system analysis. Being your trusted auto repair shop, we ensure that the integrity of brakes is maintained to guarantee safe and dependable performance.
Also Read: Tips For Choosing The Right Engine Oil In Your Car
