What Does it Mean if Brake Fluid is Dark?
Cars need various fluids to operate correctly, including coolant, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid. While all of them are essential for keeping your vehicle in good condition, the most important is probably your brake fluid. Having functioning brakes is critical for your safety and that of your passengers. Therefore, ensuring your brake fluid is in good condition is crucial. If you observe that your brake fluid has a dark color, you need to act. Continue reading to learn what steps to take.
What Is Brake Fluid?
Pressing the brake pedal in your car sends a signal to the wheels to activate the brakes. The pressure you apply on the pedal, regardless of the type of brake system in your vehicle, creates the force needed to bring your car to a stop. Your vehicle’s brake fluid sends the pressure down to each wheel. Additionally, it keeps the entire brake system lubricated and helps prevent corrosion.
What Are Its Usual Colors?
Before learning what happens when your braking fluid changes color, you must know its original color. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) uses numbers between 1 and 5.1 to classify braking fluids. A higher number means the respective braking fluid can perform well at higher temperatures. Most U.S.-based vehicles have a DOT number of 3 or 4. The colors for common DOT numbers are:
- DOT 3: Various shades of yellow, blue, or red.
- DOT 4: Yellow or red.
- DOT 5: Purple.
- DOT 5.1: Clear, blue, or yellow.
What Does It Mean if Your Brake Fluid Is Dark?
If your brake fluid is darker than its usual color, you can take it as a clear sign that it needs replacing. The most likely cause is your braking fluid accumulating moisture and other contaminants after repeated use, which will cause its color to darken. The more frequently and intensely you hit the brakes, the quicker the fluid will deteriorate and change color.
Another common reason your brake fluid turns dark is that other parts of your braking system, such as gaskets and rubber brake lines, deteriorate and mix with the fluid. This happens because brake fluid is corrosive, and even though all components can withstand corrosion, they may fail to do so after a while. The small pieces that reach the brake fluid will likely turn it darker.
Can You Keep Driving With Dark Brake Fluid?
When your brake fluid darkens, it significantly affects the performance of your brakes, even though they continue to work. The ability to generate the necessary force when pressing the brake pedal is impaired, increasing the distance required to stop your vehicle and posing a significant safety concern, especially in emergencies. Therefore, you should change your brake fluid immediately after noticing it has turned dark.
How To Check Your Brake Fluid
Generally, you should have a mechanic replace your brake fluid every four or five years. However, if you start noticing that your brakes don’t work as well as they used to and you’re a DIY type of person, you can follow these steps to check your brake fluid and change it if necessary:
- Open your hood and secure it.
- Find the location of your brake fluid reservoir.
- Check the fluid level. The reservoir will likely have minimum and maximum lines to indicate how much brake fluid you should have.
- Check the color. The reservoir is transparent, which helps you notice your brake fluid color.
- Change your brake fluid if it’s dark. Although you could do it yourself, having a professional mechanic flush your brake fluid and replace it with a new one is usually safer.
What Are Some Signs That You Should Check Your Brake Fluid Color?
Your car will probably give you clues indicating that its braking system needs a refresh. These are some common ones.
It Takes Longer To Stop
While this seems obvious, it may be difficult to notice, as your car’s braking performance will slowly diminish over time. If you notice that your brake pedal isn’t as firm as it used to be or that you need a longer distance to bring your car to a halt, the reason is likely to be your brake fluid deteriorating. Even if it didn’t change colors, you should still go to a mechanic, as other braking system parts may need replacing or repair.
You Hear Strange Noises When Braking
Over time, your braking system may get contaminated with different types of debris. This can lead to unusual sounds as the debris hinders the free movement of the braking system’s components. Even though there could be several reasons your car makes strange noises, check your braking system first to avoid any possible failure.
Your Check Engine or ABS Dashboard Light Comes On
Modern vehicles have sensors that can detect various issues with your braking system. Your ABS or check engine light coming on may indicate that your brake fluid needs replacing. Even if your brakes seem to be working fine, you should visit a mechanic as soon as possible to identify the issue.
Have Your Brakes Checked at Chevrolet GMC of Sanger
If your brake fluid is darker than it should be or you notice any of the warning signs, you should have a professional mechanic look at your car as soon as possible. The certified service experts at our Sanger Chevrolet GMC dealership will analyze your braking system and replace any faulty components with original parts. While you’re here, you can also take advantage of our service specials and have us perform other routine maintenance on your vehicle, which can help you avoid costly repairs later on. Contact us today to schedule a visit.