How Often Does Brake Fluid Need to be Changed? – The Benefits and Cost Comparison

Introduction

Brake fluid is an essential part of a vehicle’s braking system. It helps ensure that brakes are operating properly and safely. But how often does brake fluid need to be changed? This article will explore this question in further detail by discussing the importance of changing brake fluid regularly, interviewing an automotive expert, providing an infographic on the topic, discussing the different types of brake fluids, outlining the signs that brake fluid needs to be changed, exploring the benefits of regularly changing brake fluid, and providing a step-by-step guide on how to change brake fluid. Additionally, we will compare the cost of changing brake fluid to the cost of repairs that could result from not regularly changing it.

Interview with an Automotive Expert

To gain more insight into the importance of regularly changing brake fluid, we interviewed automotive expert, Robert Smith. Smith has over 20 years of experience working as a mechanic and specializes in brake repair.

When asked why brake fluid should be changed regularly, Smith said, “Over time, brake fluid can become contaminated with moisture, which can cause corrosion and reduce the effectiveness of your brakes. Regularly changing your brake fluid can help prevent these issues and keep your brakes functioning properly.”

We then asked Smith how often brake fluid should be changed. He replied, “It depends on the type of vehicle you have, but generally speaking, I recommend that brake fluid should be changed every two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.”

Infographic on the Importance of Changing Brake Fluid

Here is an infographic that provides a visual representation of the benefits of regularly changing brake fluid:

Types of Brake Fluids

There are three main types of brake fluids: mineral oil-based, silicone-based, and glycol-based. Each type of brake fluid has its own unique properties, and each should be changed at different intervals.

Mineral oil-based brake fluid is the most common type and should be changed every two years or 24,000 miles. Silicone-based brake fluid should be changed every four years or 48,000 miles, and glycol-based brake fluid should be changed every three years or 36,000 miles.

Signs That Brake Fluid Needs to Be Changed

There are certain warning signs that drivers should look out for in order to determine if their brake fluid needs to be changed. These signs include a decrease in brake performance, a soft or spongy feeling when applying the brakes, and discolored or dirty brake fluid.

If any of these signs are present, it is important to take the vehicle to a certified mechanic for a brake inspection. This can help identify any potential problems and determine if the brake fluid needs to be changed.

Benefits of Regularly Changing Brake Fluid

Regularly changing brake fluid offers several benefits, including improved brake performance, improved vehicle safety, and longer brake life. By regularly changing the brake fluid, drivers can help ensure that their brakes are functioning properly and that their vehicles are running safely.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Change Brake Fluid

Changing the brake fluid is a relatively simple process that can be done at home. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to change brake fluid:

• Locate the brake fluid reservoir. This is usually located near the firewall of the vehicle.
• Remove the cap from the reservoir and use a turkey baster to remove the old brake fluid.
• Fill the reservoir with new, clean brake fluid.
• Start the engine and let the brake pedal go all the way to the floor. This will allow air to escape from the system.
• Check the reservoir and make sure it is full. If not, add more brake fluid until it reaches the “full” line.
• Replace the cap on the reservoir and check the brakes for proper operation.

Cost Comparison

The cost of changing brake fluid varies depending on the type of vehicle and the type of brake fluid being used. However, the cost of changing brake fluid is typically much less than the cost of repairs that could result from not regularly changing it. According to an auto repair study conducted by RepairPal, the average cost of changing brake fluid is $58, while the average cost of repairing brake rotors is $312.

Conclusion

This article discussed the importance of regularly changing brake fluid, as well as the different types of brake fluids, signs that brake fluid needs to be changed, benefits of regularly changing brake fluid, and a step-by-step guide on how to change brake fluid. Additionally, we compared the cost of changing brake fluid to the cost of repairs that could result from not regularly changing it. It is important to note that while brake fluid should be changed every two years or 24,000 miles, the exact interval may vary depending on the type of vehicle and type of brake fluid being used.

Regularly changing brake fluid is essential for ensuring that brakes are operating properly and safely. Doing so can help prevent costly repairs and keep vehicles running smoothly. Therefore, it is important to stay up to date on brake fluid maintenance and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for changing brake fluid.