Should You Change Your Brake Fluid?

On the subject of brake fluid changes, there are a lot of different opinions and suggestions among carmakers. Subaru, for example, says brake fluid should be replaced every 30,000 miles while Volkswagen recommends fresh brake fluid every two years regardless of how many miles you’ve racked up in the meantime. Consult the owner’s manual to see what the manufacturer recommends for your make and model, but also be on the lookout for some of the tell-tale signs that your vehicle needs a brake fluid flush. If you recognize any of these signs, visit a mechanic in Silver Springs, MD for brake service.

Low Brake Fluid

As part of your normal car maintenance routine, you should get in the habit of checking the brake fluid reservoir underneath the hood. If the brake fluid is below the recommended fill line, visit a mechanic before you decide to top it off with some fresh fluid. After all, depending on how long it’s been since your last brake flush the fluid in the brake lines can be very old and dirty.

Brake Fluid Leaks

If you see brake fluid underneath your vehicle, visit a mechanic as soon as possible. Although this isn’t solely a brake fluid issue, it indicates a leak in the brake system which needs to be fixed right away. After your mechanic locates and repairs the leak, he’ll flush the system to remove old, dirty fluid before adding new brake fluid.

Soft Brake Pedal

The braking system is hydraulic in nature since it used brake fluid to exert pressure on the calipers which in turn slow down or stop the wheels. If you notice that your brake pedal feels softer than usual, or if it has more movement, this could be a sign of either low brake fluid or air in the brake lines. In either case, visit a mechanic to have the problem diagnosed and fixed.

When in doubt about your brakes, don’t hesitate to visit Murray’s Auto Clinic in Silver Springs, MD. Our mechanics are trained to provide the highest quality brake service, and no job is too big or too small for our auto repair shop. Stop by and visit us today or call us at 301-585-7557 to schedule a brake inspection or brake service for your vehicle.