brake ! They ’re one of the most crucial safety features in any vehicle . Buthow to check brake fluid — now that ’s a question every driver should cognize the result to .
translate yourcar ’s brake fluid level and condition can help you prevent cock-a-hoop problems down the road ( and believe us , it ’s wanton than you might recall ) .
So , why should you con how to check brake fluid ? Because it ’s essential for maintaining brake carrying out , especially as brake tablet tire or if there ’s a pasture brake fluid passing water . Let ’s open that hood , plunk into the locomotive engine compartment and take a closer look at how this hydraulic conjuring trick works .
1. Locate the Brake Fluid Reservoir
Start by finding the brake original piston chamber reservoir ( also called the brake fluid reservoir ) , normally located near the back of the locomotive engine bay , close to the brake takeoff booster .
In most car , it ’s a translucent plastic container with clearly mark minimum and maximum lines . quondam vehicle might have a metal reservoir mounted on the overlord piston chamber with a removable jacket crown or palpebra .
Always check your vehicle ’s owner ’s manual if you ’re unsure . Once you find the artificial lake , execute a visual inspection of the smooth horizontal surface . If the fluid is below the lower limit mark , that ’s an indication that you have low brake fluid .
2. Inspect the Brake Fluid Condition
When you mark the brake fluid , it ’s not just about how much fluid is in there ; it ’s also about how it looks . Brake fluid should be a clear , light yellow-bellied color ( sometimes light - colored common and pink ) . If it ’s dark , murky or has visible grime , it may be contaminated fluid that could harm your brake system .
Because brake fluid absorbs moisture over prison term , high moisture depicted object can concentrate the boiling level , making brakes less effective . you’re able to expend test strips or an electronic examiner to turn back the fluid ’s quality .
3. Add Brake Fluid (If Necessary)
If your fluid is low but clean , you may add brake fluid yourself . Brake fluid are rated byboiling temperature , with standard limit in the U.S.Department of Transportation(DOT ) code [ author : US Gov Info ] .
Make certain to utilise the correct type peg down in your owner ’s manual — usually DOT 3 , DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 . Do n’t mix type !
Before opening the brake fluid reservoir cap , clean the outside to prevent debris from come down into the system . Slowly add together fluid until it reaches the right level , but do n’t overfill . Replace the crown securely .
Know When to Replace or Inspect
If your fluid grade pretermit frequently , you could lose brake fluid through a brake fluid outflow , or your brake pads may be gravely worn . leakage in thebrake lines , calipers or rear cylinder should be addressed immediately .
Also , if your brake pedal feel spongy or sinks to the level , it ’s time to get your brakes inspect . Beyond but having low Pteridium aquilinum fluid , issues with the passkey piston chamber or Pteridium aquilinum lines can be serious .
We created this article in conjugation with AI technology , then made sure it was fact - hold and delete by a HowStuffWorks editor .
