Understanding Brake Fluid Flush and Exchange
Brake fluid exchange is a crucial maintenance service that involves testing and replacing the fluid within your vehicle’s closed hydraulic brake system. This process often includes both a brake fluid change and a brake fluid flush to ensure optimal performance. The primary role of brake fluid is to transfer the movement of the brake pedal through various components to activate the brake pads at the wheels, ultimately stopping the vehicle. A brake fluid flush is essential in maintaining vehicle safety and performance by removing old, contaminated fluid and replacing it with fresh brake fluid.
The brake fluid flush and exchange service should only be done by a certified brake service expert because if it is done incorrectly you will lose stopping power in your vehicle.
The way car brakes work is over time certain conditions can arise that may compromise the quality of the brake fluid, leading to potential issues within the braking system. One common problem is the depletion of the additive package within the brake fluid. When these additives break down, it can result in the buildup of deposits on critical metal brake components, including those in the ABS hydraulic control system.
Other issues can include increased moisture content and contamination from non-brake fluids, such as power steering fluid. Contaminated brake fluid can lead to corrosion of brake system components and affect the efficiency of the braking system, resulting in symptoms like a spongy pedal, pulsating brake rotors, or reduced braking responsiveness. Regular brake fluid changes and ensuring the use of fresh brake fluid are crucial to prevent these issues and maintain vehicle safety.
Brake Fluid Testing Process for Contaminated Brake Fluid
At Autocare Pro’s, we use a quick and precise method to test brake fluid. By simply removing the master cylinder cover and inserting a Brake Fluid Test Strip into the fluid, we can evaluate the fluid’s condition. It is also important to check the brake fluid reservoir during this process. After about sixty seconds, the test strip changes color, indicating the parts per million (PPM) of copper in the brake fluid. This copper content is a reliable indicator of the condition of the fluid’s additive package. By comparing the test strip’s color to a reference chart, we can determine if a brake fluid service is necessary.
Testing brake fluid is essential to assess the state of its additive package. As the additive package depletes, corrosion can begin to form, particularly when the copper content exceeds 200 PPM. This depletion and subsequent corrosion can accelerate, leading to issues such as sludge buildup, which can negatively impact your braking system’s performance. Using clean brake fluid is crucial to prevent these issues and maintain optimal braking performance.
Low brake fluid can lead to a spongy or soft brake pedal which in turn keeps the brake pads from engaging fully, indicating that a brake fluid flush may be necessary to ensure safe vehicle operation.
Why a Brake Fluid Change and Exchange is Necessary
The need to change brake fluid is determined by the condition of the additive package within the fluid, as revealed during testing. It’s important to note that the appearance of the fluid alone is not a reliable indicator of its condition. Even if the fluid looks dark or cloudy, it may not necessarily need to be replaced unless there is petroleum contamination. Instead, the breakdown of the additive package within the brake fluid is what signals the need for changing brake fluid.
Using high quality brake fluid during the exchange process is crucial to ensure optimal performance and avoid contamination.
When the copper content in brake fluid exceeds 200 PPM, it indicates that the additive package is significantly depleted. Although the copper itself may not cause immediate problems, it serves as a warning that the internal metal parts of the brake system, including sensitive ABS components, are at risk of corrosion which will cause a significantly more expensive brake repair service. If corrosion levels are too high, it could lead to the failure of the ABS during an emergency stop. Contaminated hydraulic fluid, including old brake fluid, can significantly affect braking performance and should be replaced regularly.
At Autocare Pro’s, we don’t just replace your brake fluid; we perform a comprehensive brake fluid service. This process ensures that the maximum amount of old fluid is removed and replaced with fresh, new fluid, following the equipment manufacturer’s recommended procedures. After completing the exchange, we retest the brake fluid and show you the results to confirm that your brake system is properly protected. Maintaining the master cylinder reservoir during the brake fluid flush process is also essential to prevent moisture accumulation and corrosion within the brake system. Schedule a brake fluid test today at Autocare Pro’s to ensure your brake system remains in top condition.