Why brake fluid and hydraulic maintenance is so important
Brakes are the most important safety feature of a car. Without them, it is impossible to slow down or stop to avoid obstacles. This may seem obvious, but many drivers choose to ignore it when they neglect brake fluid changes and hydraulic maintenance.
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Brake fluid contamination
From the moment brake fluid is removed from its sealed container and poured into your vehicle, it begins to absorb moisture from the air. At first, these amounts are very small, but over time, the amount of water that can get into the liquid becomes staggeringly high. Each time the master cylinder is opened, air and moisture can enter the reservoir and be absorbed by the fluid itself. That's why the cylinders are usually transparent so you can check the brake fluid level in your car without opening the reservoir and compromising the quality of the brake fluid.
It seems like water shouldn't be a dangerous substance if it ends up inside your car, but when mixed with brake fluid, it can seriously lower the fluid's boiling point. In vehicles with many moving parts that generate a lot of heat, the brake fluid must maintain a high boiling point or it can become extremely dangerous.
In the UK, with a climate where there is a lot of rain and damp air, regular brake fluid changes are even more important. Tiny pores in brake hoses and tiny gaps on exhaust valves regularly allow water and moisture to enter the brake fluid in our cars without us even knowing it's happening.
Brake fluid level
Brake fluid contamination is not the only issue to look out for. For various reasons, throughout the life of your vehicle, the brake fluid level may fluctuate. If there are gaps in the fluid hoses where moisture can get in, then it's reasonable to assume that some of the brake fluid may have leaked out too. There is nothing easier than checking the fluid level in your car.
The owner's manual will give you a detailed diagram of exactly where the master cylinder is in your car, and once you open the hood you should be able to locate it fairly easily. There will be a line on the cylinder showing how high the brake fluid level should go. If the level is significantly below this line, then you need to do something about it, and quickly. Topping up the fluid level is not difficult, but logic dictates that if the brake fluid can leak out, then moisture and dirt can also get inside.
If you find that the brake fluid level is low, it's worth taking your car in for a brake and hydraulic service to completely change the brake fluid, rather than just adding contaminated fluid that's already there. brakes Your lifeline while driving. Don't risk their performance.
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