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Thinking about what maintenance your vehicle's brakes need, you probably immediately think of brake pads. These are components that need to be replaced periodically because they tend to wear down quickly over time. Being familiar with brake pad replacement is great - but are you familiar with brake fluid flush? It's another highly important service that ensures your brakes work at their best.
So, what exactly is brake fluid? Your vehicle's brake system is a hydraulic system, which means that it utilizes fluid in a highly pressurized system in order to create the force that is needed to slow or stop your car. The brake fluid is an integral part of this system and without it, your vehicle's brakes wouldn't work.
You may be wondering, does the brake fluid need to be serviced or replaced? The answer is yes! Most vehicle manufacturers will recommend a brake fluid flush at least once in your vehicle's lifetime, but having it inspected regularly is also key. This will make sure that your brakes are working effectively and prevent you from having to deal with unexpected brake failure which can happen when a leak occurs in the brake lines.
Be sure to remain aware of when your vehicle's manufacturer recommends brake fluid services, and also understand how your brakes operate when they are working at their best. If you notice a change in performance with your brakes, this can be an indication of an issue that should be inspected quickly.
When there is a leak somewhere in the brake system, such as with a seal or hose. When this happens, air can get into the brake fluid which is detrimental to hydraulic systems - it causes your brakes to be much less effective. If there is just air in the system, bleeding the brake system is an option.
However, if the brake fluid is low, leaking, or dirty, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Brake pedal is soft or spongy
- Brake pedal goes all the way to the floor
- Brake pedal needs to be pumped
- It takes longer to slow or stop than usual
As soon as you notice any of the symptoms, get your vehicle to the trusted brake repair experts here at Oswald Service Inc. We will determine the issue at hand and identify if a brake fluid flush is needed. Don't hesitate to stop by or give us a call!