How to Check Brake Fluid at Stanley Ford Gilmer
For your vehicle to be in the best shape possible, you need to have routine maintenance performed on several systems. One of the most important for your safety is the brake system. To keep you and your family safe, be sure that you check your brakes often to ensure that they are doing their job. At
Stanley Ford Gilmer, we care about your safety too. If you drive around
Gilmer,
Tyler, and
Longview and are worried that you need brake service, come by our
service department for our
brake service.
Purpose of Brake Fluid
Vehicles today operate with hydraulic brakes. When you press down on the brake pedal, the pressure is increased because of the fluid. The fluid also lubricates and prevents the corrosion of crucial brake components. Most brake fluid is glycol-ether based, but some are mineral oil or silicone-based. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will tell you the proper fluid to use. Using the incorrect fluid can damage your vehicle and lead to costly repairs.
Should I Change My Brake Fluid?
As part of your responsibility to maintain your vehicle for a longer life, checking brake fluid should be a regular occurrence. From time to time, like oil and transmission fluid, your brake fluid will also need to be changed to keep your vehicle operating at peak performance. Most manufacturers recommend flushing and changing your brake fluid every 45,000 miles or three to five years, but you should always check your owner’s manual to confirm when certain systems or parts need to be serviced. Sometimes, due to extenuating circumstances, you may need to change it more frequently. These circumstances include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Fluid contamination: You use your brakes daily, so over time, tiny particles can build up in your braking system.
- Abnormally high heat levels: If your brake fluid is not maintained regularly, it can get scorched by the heat buildup from your anti-lock braking system and your traction control systems.
- Abnormally high moisture: Depending on the type of brake fluid your vehicle uses, sometimes the fluid can attract water, which can corrode the system.
How to Check Fluid
Check your owner’s manual for the recommended procedure, but here are the basics:
Find Fluid Tank
Beneath the hood, you must search for the master cylinder. On top of it, you usually have a small white or clear plastic reservoir.
Remove the Dipstick
When you take out the dipstick, you should see two lines one will say max, and one will say min. Your fluid level should fall between these two lines.
Look for Discoloration
Brake fluid should be a clear yellowish color, or some fluids will have a clear reddish color. If it is brown or black, you need the fluid changed.
Stanley Ford Gilmer Premier Brake Service
If you need a fluid change, contact Stanley Ford Gilmer, and set up an appointment for our premium brake service. You can schedule over the phone or with our
online service scheduler. We’ll work to keep you safe out on the road with brake service and repairs.
