Checking Your Brake Fluid

Everyone knows that your braking system is vital to helping your vehicle stop when you’re driving around Mission. An essential aspect of your braking system is the actual brake fluid itself. Brake fluid keeps your braking system lubricated and protected, so knowing how to check your brake fluid is important. If you don’t know how to check the brake fluid in your vehicle, the service center at Burns Motors is here to help.

Brake Fluid Tips

Before we teach you how to check the brake fluid in your vehicle, you might be wondering, “What is brake fluid anyways?” Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that helps move your brake pedal. It lubricates the braking system and protects it from corrosion. There are many different types of brake fluids, so it’s always important to reference your owner’s manual if you want to know what kind of brake fluid your Edinburg daily driver uses.

Why Do You Have to Change Your Brake Fluid?

Over time, as your brakes begin to wear, they can attract moisture, generate heat, and even become contaminated with small particles. Because of this, it’s important to keep an eye on your brake fluid and ensure that it’s regularly maintained.

Brake Fluid Service Intervals and Color

New brake fluid is typically clear with a yellow tint to it. As you use your braking system for Pharr adventures, it can become dark and oil-like meaning it’s likely time to change it. On top of color, we recommend checking your brake fluid with every oil change or at least once a year. Brake fluid can last for up to four or five years but this varies between driving habits, external conditions, and even make and model. You can always schedule a service appointment if you’re unsure about your brake fluid’s health.

How to Check Brake Fluid

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, are you wondering about how to check your brake fluid? It only requires a few simple steps that almost anyone can follow. Let’s take a look at what you need to do to check your brake fluid:

1. Open your vehicle’s hood and look for the brake fluid reservoir on the master cylinder. This can vary depending on your car so you’ll need to reference your owner’s manual for the specific location.
2. Typically, you’ll find a minimum and maximum indicator on your vehicle’s brake fluid reservoir. If you notice the brake fluid level is closer to the minimum line, it’s time for a brake fluid replacement or service.
3. This is also a good time to note the brake fluid’s color. If it looks dark brown or black instead of the yellowish color we discussed earlier, it’s likely time for a brake fluid replacement or flush.

If you’re hesitant about checking your vehicle’s brake fluid, it’s best to leave it to a professional. Our team of expert technicians are trained to keep your vehicle on the road for many years to come.

Get Brake Services Today at Burns Motors!

Whether you’re more of a DIY kind of person or you’d rather have us do the dirty work, you can turn to our McAllen service department for assistance. Burns Motors is here to help answer any questions or perform automotive repairs and maintenance to keep your vehicle on the roads for many years to come. As always, please contact us if you have any questions like how much an oil change costs! Looking for more maintenance advice? Check out our guide on how often you should rotate the tires on your ride!