CHARLOTTE – This is a reworked article from 2012. Four our full back catalog, check out autorepairminthill.com.
Everyone knows to change their oil & antifreeze regularly, but what about your brake fluid? Brake fluid is a critical component in your vehicle. Low or old brake fluid can impact your ability to brake and a loss of fluid could prevent your brakes from functioning entirely.
Brake fluid has to have a wide range of attributes, including a high boiling point, and the end result is that most brake fluid is based on ethylene glycol with various additives to prevent corrosion. Unfortunately, ethylene glycol is hygroscopic (attracts and holds water molecules) and gradually absorbs moisture from the air. This slowly lowers its high boiling point until it may be only a little higher than water. This could cause loss of stopping ability under certain driving conditions. This is brake fluid’s dirty little secret.
Exchanging the fluid in the brake system helps extend the life of the brake system parts, including the master cylinder, wheel cylinders, calipers, ABS components, and hoses. Includes removal and safe disposal of old fluid and replacement with new fluid.
Additionally, when your brake fluid in tested your technician should also inspect:
- Brakes hoses and lines
- Wear on the Pads and Shoes
- Wheel bearing and seals
- Adjust the parking brake
- Clean, service and adjust drum brakes every 15,000 miles and disc brakes halfway through their life.
Questions? Call Manchester Auto and Tire of Mint Hill, LLC at (704) 545-4597 or check us out online at www.manchesterautoandtire.com.
