How to Check Brake Fluid

How to Check Your Brake Fluid

You depend on your brakes to bring you to a safe stop every time you drive. Driving with a damaged brake system puts your safety at risk on the road, so it’s important that you keep your brakes in excellent condition. One way to protect your brake system is by routinely checking your brake fluid. Everyone knows that their engine needs the proper amount of oil to function, but did you know that your brakes also need fluid? Brake fluid is an essential part of your brake system, so checking your brake fluid is a great way to ensure that it stays at the proper level.

How Does Brake Fluid Work?

Brake fluid plays an important role in your vehicle’s stopping power. It prevents corrosion within the brake system, helps with your brake pedal’s movement, and lubricates the system. So, brake fluid protects your brake system from damage while giving you the ability to come to a safe stop as you drive. If your brake fluid becomes contaminated or its levels are too low, your brakes won’t be able to do their job, and your safety will be compromised.

Checking Your Brake Fluid

You can check your brake fluid at home, but we recommend following your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions. Usually, checking brake fluid involves the following steps:

1. Lift your vehicle’s hood and find the brake fluid reservoir on the master cylinder.
2. Look for lines on the outside of the brake fluid reservoir. The lines should be labeled “minimum” and “maximum”.
3. Look at your brake fluid and see where it lands against the minimum and maximum lines. If your brake fluid sits at or below the minimum line, you’ll know it’s time for new brake fluid.
4. Check the color of your brake fluid. Contaminated brake fluid is usually dark like oil. If your brake fluid is a dark color, it’s probably contaminated with harmful materials and needs to be flushed.

Keep in mind that if you notice a difference in your vehicle or a problem with your brakes, you should schedule an inspection as soon as possible.

When Should You Check Your Brake Fluid?

Your environment, driving habits, and your type of vehicle all contribute to your maintenance schedule. Since there’s no universal answer for how often you should check your brake fluid, we recommend checking your owner’s manual for guidelines. It’s also a good idea to seek professional advice when it comes to your vehicle. Most technicians will suggest checking your brake fluid during every routine oil change. 

Schedule Brake Service at Stanley CDJR of Brownwood

Drivers around Comanche and Coleman can find reliable brake service at Stanley Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Brownwood. The expert technicians in our service department are highly trained and ready to perform brake fluid checks and other types of brake service and repairs. If you have any questions about your vehicle, give us a call or visit us in Brownwood, TX.