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This guide makes changing your brake fluids easy

When you first start driving, you have no idea how much you are going to need to learn about looking after your car.

We all know that we will probably have to learn how to change a tire and top up our wiper fluids But we certainly didn’t think we’d have to learn how to top up engine coolant or change our brake fluid.

But it is essential to know the basics of brake and engine oil as well.

Yes, some people might find it daunting as certain safety aspects have to be considered before changing the brake oil.

First, it is important to check whether the corrosion inhibitor in your brake system is worn out or not. So soon after confirming this, people can easily guess the condition of the oil.

This may sound like a really complicated task, but with the help of this article, you will be able to check and change your brake fluid without breaking a sweat.

Equipment you will need

  • Lint-free cloths
  • Old Turkey Baster
  • New Brake Fluid
  • Bucket

What Is The Actual Colour Of The Brake Fluid?

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Before starting the process, people should visually confirm the condition of the oil so soon after confirming this; people can judge whether to change or leave the same oil until the next service date. So usually, an oil in good condition will be clear with a yellowish tint color in it.

The colour and texture of the oil might change anytime, anywhere; for instance, if you drive your car in hill stations, then the usage of brakes will be higher, which will eventually make your oil worn out soon.

If the oil is worn out or burnt, then it might turn dark black in color. So soon after witnessing this kind of change, vehicle owners should make sure to drain out the entire oil and refill the cylinder with new oil that is sealed and packed.

Is It Essential To Change The Brake Oil In Regular Intervals?

Absolutely not! Generally, soon after changing the brake oil, it can last for more than 4 to 5 years. But it is mandatory to check the brake oil levels once in a while. Everything in the car is movable, and anything might happen anytime, so vehicle owners should make sure to check the essential engine oil and brake oil level.

The time recommendations are general, but people can actually flush their brake oil three years once and refill it with new oil to avoid unwanted problems while driving the car. Moreover, the condition of brake oil might also change according to the driving style. Drivers who prefer rash driving will be applying brakes frequently, so this kind of rider should check their brake oil levels and condition of the oils frequently.

Brake fluid acts as a medium between brake pedals and the pad, the force that people apply on the pedal will be transmitted into power and sent to the brake pad by using the brake oil. So without having a good condition brake oil, the brake might fail. Below mentioned are some basic procedures that will help people in finding ways to change the brake oil with ease.

Step 1 – Locate brake master cylinder reservoir

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To start this task you are going to need to get under the hood of your car. You will want to make sure that you are parked somewhere safe, your handbrake is on and your engine is off. Do not start this job until the engine is cool.

Once you have popped the hood you will want to locate the brake master cylinder reservoir. Traditionally, this can be found towards the back of the engine compartment – pretty much in line with where your brake pedal is.

If you are struggling to find it, take a look in the car’s manual – everything in the engine will be clearly labelled.

Step 2 – Check fluid level and colour

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There are two things that you will need to check during this step – that your brake fluid is close to the fill line and that it is clear. If one of these things is not the case then you will have to move on to Step 3. However, if the cylinder is fairly full and the liquid is clear then you’re all done.

If you have a car built after the 1980s then this is going to be a really simple step for you. Most cars from after this period have a translucent cylinder – so you can check the fluid without exposing it to the air. Don’t forget to check the colour of the liquid as well as the amount.

If you have an older car then you are going to need to remove the lid of the cylinder to check how full it is. You must do this quickly, as exposing brake fluid to the air will contaminate it.

This process may be slightly different if you have power steering, the Grumpy Mechanic can guide you through that – you can visit the site to find out more.

Step 3 – Remove the old fluid

If you need to add more fluid and the liquid is clear then you can just top it up.

However, if the fluid has changed colour at all then you are going to need to remove all of the old fluid before doing anything else.

The easiest way to do this is to get an empty bucket – clean it beforehand – and an old turkey baster.

Use the turkey baster to remove all of the old fluid and empty it into the bucket. When you have emptied all of the fluid out of the cylinder, take a lint-free cloth and wipe the cylinder clean. You may have to climb up onto the bumper to reach all the way into it.

Step 4 – Top up your brake fluid

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Once you have cleaned out of the cylinder, you are ready to top it up again. Make sure that you don’t fill it above the Full line.

Now, you are ready to put the cap back on the cylinder (for older cars) and close up your hood. Grab your keys and jump into the driver’s seat.

Step 5- Check your brake pads and bleed your brakes

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The final step in this process is to check that your brake pads are in good shape, then, bleed your brakes.

If you have a sudden drop in brake fluid it typically means that something has gone wrong in your brake system. Typically, it means that your brake pads have worn down but it can be indicative of other problems. After you have checked your brake pads, it’s time to go ahead and bleed your brakes.

The process is completed now, so people can just check for essential criteria in the brakes. It is better to just check with the actual picture of the car so that people can confirm that the brake works in a proper way. Soon after doing this, it is a must to close the mouth of the brake oil cylinder with appropriate nuts and bolts so that the spillage of oil can be avoided.

Final words

As you can see, checking your brake fluid and changing it if you need to is a simple task. There is no need for you to pay someone else to do it for you. You’ve got this! People who find it difficult to change the brake oil can easily find an expert online. But mostly, the process will be simple for people who prefer to follow the steps mentioned above. Moreover, learning some basic things might help people in critical situations.