WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T REPLACE MY BRAKE FLUID?
If you don't have your Brake Fluid changed as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer this will lead to Moisture Contamination in your brake reservoir where the Brake Fluid is stored.
As your brake fluid ages, it's also bound to be contaminated with 'Debris Buildup'. The various seals and hoses that make up your brake system can shed tiny amounts of rubber as they age. Moisture-laden brake fluid can also cause metal components to rust and corrode, resulting in rust particles finding themselves in your brake fluid.
When you don't change your brake fluid, your cars braking capabilities suffer greatly for it leading to Poor Braking Performance. In most cases, you can tell simply by pressing the brake pedal, if it feels incredibly spongy, then there's a good chance your brake fluid has nearly given up. You might notice that it takes more effort and longer to bring your vehicle to a stop and in some cases, you may even have to pump your brakes just to build up enough pressure for a safe stop.
There's also the dangerous possibility that your brakes could fail altogether which is an unsettling prospect if you're traveling at any speed. This can happen if the brake fluid manages to reach its boiling point under operation, especially if that boiling point was artificially lowered through moisture contamination.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I REPLACE MY BRAKE FLUID?
Most manufacturers recommend that you change your brake fluid every 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever is sooner(check your vehicle handbook for details). First Stop's fully qualified technicians will check your Brake Fluid to see if it needs replacing. If required they will drain the old fluid and then refill with new brake fluid to the correct specification.
We will also safely dispose of the old fluid in an environmentally friendly way.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SHOULD I REPLACE THE BRAKE FLUID IF I HAVE MY BRAKE PADS AND DISCS CHANGED?
Brake fluid should be replaced every time brake pads are changed, whenever brake disks and pads are changed, every 2 years or when the boiling point of the Brake Fluid is under 165°C (DOT 4)
CAN I TOP UP THE BRAKE FLUID?
The brake fluid should never be topped up as its properties are reduced if new is mixed with old. Many vehicles also measure wear on the pads or disks by the level of the brake fluid. and if it is topped up, the vehicle will not report this wear.