Brake System Flush
Flushing Your Brake System
Cars these days travel very fast. In order to compensate for the speed they can create, car manufacturers have designed an enhanced braking system. The brakes on your car are hydraulic. This means that they rely on fluid to operate properly.
Unfortunately, the fluid used in hydraulic brakes can become contaminated over time. When this occurs, it is time for a brake system flush.
Keep on reading to learn about the hydraulic brakes on your car, and how to maintain stopping power.
How Hydraulic Brakes Work
When a driver puts their foot on the brake, a piston is pushed into the brake fluid reservoir called the master cylinder. The fluid then creates pressure that is sent through the brake lines to each wheel. With that pressure, the brake calipers squeeze with the brake pads and create friction which brings your car to a stop.
Hydraulic Fluid
Over time, the hydraulic fluid utilized in the braking system of your car can become contaminated. When this occurs, the braking system may cease to function properly.
Hydraulic fluid can sometimes:
- Absorb air
- Absorb moisture
- Contain sludge and other contaminants
When this occurs, the brake on your car can sometimes feel spongy and their stopping power is greatly reduced. When you feel this, it may be time for a brake system flush.
What Does a Brake System Flush Do?
A brake system flush is crucial for the longevity of your brakes and the stopping power that they provide. If you are having issues with your brakes, it could be because your braking fluid needs replacement.
A few signs you may need to flush your brakes are:
Hydraulic brake fluid is black, brown, or appears contaminated
Diminished brake performance
When a brake system flush is performed, the performance of the braking system is improved and the lifespan of the components in the braking system is increased.
The importance of a brake system flush should not be underestimated.
How to Perform a Brake System Flush
Performing a brake system flush can be a bit tricky and complicated. Unless you have all the necessary tools and know your way around cars really well, we recommend hiring a professional to handle the job.
When a mechanic performs a brake system flush, they will:
- Remove all the old brake fluid
- Give the braking system new fluid
- Bleed the brake system
- Clean the area where the fluid may have come into contact to prevent contamination
- Check for leaks
- Inspect the other components such as the pads, hoses, and rotors
- Perform a test drive
We recommend that you get a complete brake system flush before it becomes a problem. For most people with an average driving lifestyle, it is good practice to change the brake fluid on their vehicle every 36 months or 24,000 miles.
How Much Does a Brake System Flush Cost?
A brake system flush is a very important service and so the price should not scare you away from having one done. On average, brake system flushes cost around $100.
The majority of this cost is for labor. However, depending on if the other components in the brain system need replacing, the price could increase to reflect the replacement of parts.
The Importance of Flushing Your Brakes
We tend to take our brakes for granted. For the most part, they are out of sight and mind, especially when they are operating correctly. However, this doesn’t mean you should refrain from regular brake service.
Flushing your brake fluid routinely is a good habit to have. It will keep your brake system from failing or leaking, and keep you much safer as you commute around.