Why Brake Fluid is Critical for Your Car’s Braking System
As Euro car specialists, we want to talk to you about something that many workshops overlook when it comes to maintaining your car: brake fluid. Whether you drive a BMW, Volkswagen, Land Rover, Range Rover, Porsche, or any other European make, brake fluid is a crucial component of your vehicle’s braking system. Despite this, many car owners have no idea what brake fluid is or why it is so important to keep it in good condition.
So, what exactly is brake fluid? Simply put, it’s the hydraulic fluid that connects your brake pedal to your brake callipers and pads. When you step on the brake pedal, brake fluid is forced through the brake lines to the callipers, which then clamp down on the rotor to stop the car. It’s a simple yet crucial system that relies on clean, moisture-free brake fluid to function properly.
Signs That Your Car Needs a Brake Fluid Exchange
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means it soaks up any moisture it comes in contact with. Even though the braking system is well sealed, there are still areas where moisture can get in, such as the master cylinder reservoir and the microscopic pores on the brake lines and seals. Over time, this can lead to pockets of water in the brake fluid, which can cause a few different issues for your vehicle and your braking system.
First and foremost, water causes rust. This can cause brake callipers to seize and not work, or they can stay engaged and cause abnormal brake wear and other problems. Secondly, the master cylinder can corrode internally and leak, causing fluid loss and a soft brake pedal feel. Finally, and perhaps most frighteningly for drivers and passengers, water in the brake fluid can lead to “brake fade” or loss of brakes due to heat generated from heavy braking. When the water in the brake fluid boils, it turns into steam, which can be compressed and not act on the hydraulic pistons, causing the pedal to sink to the floor and the brakes to become less efficient.
Regular Brake Fluid Exchange is Crucial
To prevent these issues, most vehicle manufacturers recommend flushing the brake fluid every 24 months. This keeps the system free of water and in tip-top shape. At Sommer Car Care, we follow this recommendation, and even go above and beyond by using a specifically designed brake fluid tester that boils a sample of your brake fluid to test the boiling point for accuracy and safety. Most fluid testing devices only measure the conductivity of the fluid, which is not accurate at all.
When flushing the brake fluid, it’s important to use fresh, clean brake fluid and not introduce air or water into the system. That’s why we use an automated pressure bleed system manufactured by ATE. As a leader and pioneer in hydraulic brake systems, ATE also manufactures many service tools and fluids for braking systems. All of these things come together to create a complete solution to keep your brakes working like the day the car rolled off the assembly line.