Brake fluid plays an integral part in transmitting the force generated from your foot to the brake pedal, as well as providing lubrication and protecting against corrosion within the braking system.
Most vehicles utilize glycol-ether based brake fluid; however, silicone and mineral oil options exist as well. Please consult the owner’s manual to find the suitable option for your car.
1. Look in the reservoir
No matter the level of brake fluid in your reservoir, you should regularly inspect it. Brake fluid is highly absorbent of moisture from the atmosphere, potentially leading to corrosion of your system. Furthermore, having enough brake fluid in your system creates a strong vacuum for proper brake lines operation.
Older vehicles feature metal reservoirs with lids fastened by clamps; newer models typically utilize plastic reservoirs with seals. Remove the cap and check the level; it should be above the “full” line but not so full that pumping causes overflow. Furthermore, inspect both color and smell; if it appears dark, murky or smells of oil, service should be scheduled immediately.
2. Check the lines
When you press the pedal, brake fluid flows down from its reservoir into its lines to the calipers in your calipers. If there is too little fluid in the reservoir, air will enter into its system and your car won’t stop properly on Phoenix and Gilbert streets.
Brake fluid is a hygroscopic substance, meaning that it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. Moisture reduces boiling point of fluids, leading to corrosion of system components. If your fluid appears dark or murky, visit Jiffy Lube immediately so they can test it for moisture content as well as inspect for cracks and damage on calipers and brake rotors.
3. Check the calipers
Brake calipers are responsible for transferring the force created by your foot on the pedal to the wheels braking system and brake fluid provides vital lubrication that helps ward off corrosion in this crucial system.
Your brake fluid should typically be glycol-ether based, though silicone and mineral oil based variants may also be available depending on the make of vehicle you own. Your vehicle manufacturer’s manual should specify which option best matches up with your model.
Check the color of your brake fluid. Fresh fluid should be clear; as time goes on, however, murky fluid could indicate contamination with dirt and other debris. In such an instance, it would be beneficial to bring your vehicle in for inspection by Jiffy Lube where our highly trained technicians can assess both its additive package strength and moisture content content before offering solutions.
4. Check the brake pads
An inconsistent brake pedal or one that makes strange sounds such as grinding, growling or squealing are signs that it’s time for new pads. A low fluid level or murky/dark fluid could also indicate it is time for an inspection at Jiffy Lube location.
Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid used to facilitate the movement of your brake pedal and protect your braking system from corrosion. For optimal results, it should have a light golden brown hue with levels between minimum and maximum lines on the reservoir. Use an electronic tester to evaluate its boiling point; new DOT 3 specification fluid has one at 401 degrees Fahrenheit dry or 284 degrees wet boiling points.
5. Check the hoses
If there’s an apparent pool of fluid under your car, this indicates the brake hoses have leaked. A soft or spongy brake pedal could also be indicative of this problem.
If your hoses appear worn-out visually, have someone pump the brakes and inspect them under pressure. A worn-out hose typically displays hard, brittle material; wet spots; bubbles or bulges indicate wear-and-tear damage to its internal structures.
Age or wear and tear can cause a hose to rupture, as can being chafed by suspension components or rubbing through metal unions linked it with pipes. When this happens, brake fluid can leak out into the system and brake pedal height will drop; this poses an immediate safety risk that must be dealt with as soon as possible.
6. Check the master cylinder
Your brake master cylinder transfers pressure from your pedal to the braking components and also protects them from corrosion. However, if its fluid levels drop too low or it has been exposed for too long it could become irreparably damaged and become inoperable.
To check the fluid, pop open your car hood and locate the reservoir for the master cylinder, which should be located near the back of engine bay in plastic canister form with minimum and maximum level markings on its side. Fresh fluid should appear clear but murky fluid could indicate that its effectiveness has diminished over time.
7. Check the brake pedal
Your brakes are one of the most crucial safety features on any vehicle, making proper maintenance of brake fluid levels an absolute necessity. Hydraulic fluid connects foot pressure directly to your braking system, enabling brake pads to press into rotors and bring your car to a stop. In addition, proper fluid levels prevent corrosion while providing essential lubrication of all moving parts within it.
To check your brake fluid levels, open up your hood and locate the reservoir on the master cylinder. It should have an external minimum and maximum line marked as well as information regarding what kind of fluid your vehicle requires.
8. Check the brake fluid level
Your brakes might not be performing optimally because their hydraulic fluid levels have dropped, and this fluid serves many important purposes like stopping your vehicle, protecting its braking system against corrosion and providing lubrication. Checking the levels is easy – check it while waiting for an oil change at Jiffy Lube!
Checking the brake fluid regularly is something every driver should do, and can be completed in only minutes. Look out for minimum and maximum lines on the outside of your reservoir tank and compare the fluid against them; normally it should have a nearly clear yellow hue; over time however it may become clouded with contaminants and become darker in color.
