How Often Should I Change My Brake Fluid? Avon IN

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What is Brake Fluid Used For? 

It’s not always obvious what brake fluid is used for. While it’s definitely an integral part of maintaining healthy brakes, it’s actually a rather complex fluid. In order to make your brakes clamp down on your wheel, hydraulic pressure is used to aid in your car’s responsiveness and stopping power. The hydraulic fluid used to generate this pressure is your brake fluid.

If you don’t maintain your brake fluid, you may find that your brakes are less responsive. Your brake pedal might feel “soft” and you may even find that your stopping distance is increased. Fresh brake fluid ensures your brakes perform as intended.

How Often Should You Change Your Brake Fluid?

When it comes to how often you should actually be changing your brake fluid, there’s no clear-cut answer. The answer can vary, depending on the vehicle and manufacturer. Oftentimes, it’s simply better to visually inspect your brake fluid to make sure it’s in good condition.

With that said, it’s generally a good idea to have the fluid changed every two to three years. This provides a comfortable time frame to ensure that you catch any major issues before they arise. With that said, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your brake fluid whenever you’re checking your oil or coolant.

How to Tell When Your Brake Fluid Is Ready to Be Changed 

Your brake fluid is a very viscous solution with very little air or water in the mixture. Over time, air bubbles and moisture can accumulate within it, leading to the fluid’s degradation.

Fresh brake fluid will be translucent, with a slight yellow color to it. As moisture mixes into the liquid, it will turn darker, going all the way from brown to black. You should make sure you’re changing it out when it becomes brown, and you should make sure it never becomes black.

Schedule Brake Fluid Service at Our Service Center

While it may not seem as readily important as an oil change, it’s very important to make sure your brake fluid is regularly taken care of. That’s why our service center is here to make sure that Avon, Indianapolis, and Plainfield drivers are getting the proper care they need.

If you’re due for a brake fluid change, schedule a service appointment with us at Andy Mohr Volkswagen today!

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