5 Myths About Car Brake Fluid

Content

1. The main problem with old brake fluid is moisture.
2. Never need to change the brake fluid.
4. It is almost impossible to replace more than half of the brake fluid in the system.
5.- The ABS system usually does not work well after changing the brake fluid.

Brake fluid is vital for the system to do its job of stopping. It is important to perform maintenance and ignore the myths about not changing this fluid.

Brake fluid is the hydraulic fluid that is responsible for transferring pedal force to the brake cylinders in the wheels of cars, motorcycles, trucks, and some modern bicycles.

There are DOT3 and DOT4 brake fluids on the market that are designed to lubricate the moving parts of the brake system and withstand changes in temperature while maintaining the fluid state necessary for proper brake function.

It's good to know how brake fluid works and understand how you work so you don't get confused and don't believe things that aren't true.

There are many beliefs about brake fluid, some of them are true, and others are just myths that we need to know in order not to do something that is not supposed to.

So, we've compiled a list of five automotive brake fluid myths.

1. The main problem with old brake fluid is moisture.

Prior to modern flexible brake hose technology, moisture was a problem. It penetrated through the hoses and entered the liquid when it cooled. Modern hose manufacturing has eliminated this problem.

2. Never need to change the brake fluid.

In modern vehicles, brake fluid needs to be serviced when the copper content is 200 parts per million (ppm) or more. This will update the brake fluid additive package and the protection it provides.

4. It is almost impossible to replace more than half of the brake fluid in the system.

A brake fluid change service should include removing the old fluid from the master cylinder, refilling it, and then removing the fluid from all four wheels, which removes most of the old fluid.

5.- The ABS system usually does not work well after changing the brake fluid.

If the ABS system does not allow free flow of fluid through the hydraulic control unit (HCU), the technician may need to use a scan tool to activate the HCU valves while clean fluid is flowing through the system.