Do you know what to do if your car brakes fail? Don’t panic! Downshift right away to slow your car and pull over safely. Don’t downshift too fast, don’t put the car in neutral, and don’t turn off the car. It’s not a lot to remember, but it is easy to forget. Instead of worrying about when your brakes will fail, avoid the issue by checking your vehicle’s brake fluid. Not sure how to do that? Read on to find out.
How to Check Brake Fluid
The first step to checking the brake fluid in a car is to find the reservoir. This piece is going to have a different location depending on the type of car you own.
Generally, you can find it if you locate the brake booster. This is on the driver’s side of the car near the firewall. In front of this, the brake fluid reservoir will be sitting on and connected to the brake master cylinder.
Most of the time, this will be a plastic container. An older car will have a metal box with a removable lid instead.
After locating the reservoir, follow these steps:
- Clean the top of the reservoir
- Open the top of the reservoir
- Check the fluid level
- Check the color of the fluid
These steps are important to follow exactly as is. Cleaning the top of the reservoir ensures dirt doesn’t fall into the fluid which could cause your brakes to fail.
The fluid level should be within half an inch of the cap. If the level of fluid is not high enough, add in the proper amount for your vehicle. This is an indication of when to refill brake fluid.
It is important to check the color of the brake fluid as it may deteriorate with use. If the fluid is a dark color, a mechanic should replace it for you. Click for more on how to schedule a service.
How to Change Brake Fluid
You can opt to change your brake fluid on your own. After you have located the reservoir, this should be a simple process.
Keep these tips in mind before buying and using brake fluid on your own:
- Use top-quality fluid from a known manufacturer
- Air exposure can contaminate the brake fluid
Once you understand the dangers of brake fluid, you can learn how to refill brake fluid for yourself.
First, you’ll want to remove the dirty fluid by use of a turkey baster or something similar. If you can, wipe out the reservoir with a lint-free cloth.
Take your new brake fluid and pour it into the reservoir until it reaches the full line. Don’t forget to replace the cap when you are done!
Should You Check Your Brake Fluid?
If you haven’t checked your brake fluid or visited a mechanic in a while, it may be time to find the reservoir and get started. You should check your brake fluid regularly so that your vehicle will continue to stop properly.
Instead of going to a mechanic, check and change the brake fluid on your own time by using this guide. Don’t forget to look out for our other articles on the auto and motor industry and vehicle’s brake fluid.
