Brake fluid is specially formulated hydraulic liquid that is used to transmit brake pedal pressure in order to stop or slow down a car. It transfers force through pressure from where it has been created, through the hydraulic lines and to the braking mechanism. Brake fluids have to have particular characteristics and also comply with particular standards of quality so as to perform sufficiently. Motor vehicle service and maintenance requires that brake fluid be changed or flushed every one to two years in order to ensure reliability and safety. It is therefore advisable to regularly check the brake fluid.
Brake fluids are housed in a reservoir found on top of the master cylinder in the vehicle. The fluid check up is done in several simple steps. To do so, one will first of all have to locate the reservoir or the master cylinder of the brake. In a car, on the side where the driver sits, there is a hood under which this cylinder is located, in the back side of the compartment of the engine. This cylinder is typically a rectangular six by two inch metallic piece with a reservoir made of plastic and a cap made of rubber to close it. It also has tiny tubes made from metal that are attached to it.
One will then need to remove the cap from this cylinder and inspect the level of the brake fluid especially if it is an older car model with a reservoir that is made entirely of metal. In newer cars, one can see through the reservoirs, therefore there is no need to remove the cap to do this. One can use a finger to get a small sample. Brake fluid is not considered a ‘top up’ fluid so if it is low, this signifies an underlying problem. This may be attributed to several reasons for instance, if the linings pads or the lining shoes wear out and the calipers or the wheel cylinders extend themselves further in order to compensate for this. Another reason for low brake fluid may be because due to a leak, which could lead to a loss of hydraulic pressure and subsequently loss in braking ability. This is risky as it can cause motor vehicle accidents. One can tell that the level of the brake fluid is low if when adjusting it, the red brake light comes on.
If the brake fluid level is low, then it should be immediately topped up. One is advised to use the proper brake fluid on their engines. As a general rule, brake fluids with different DOT ratings should never be mixed as this may damage the braking system. Therefore, before adding the brake fluid, confirm from the cap or manual that the grade of the fluid being used is the one suitable for your car. There are four kinds of brake fluid; DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5 and DOT 6. DOT 3 and 4 are the most common while DOT 6 is available for military purposes only. It is also important to fill the reservoir and if the car has two reservoirs, fill both. If the cylinder does not have any fluid at all, one will need to not only top up but also have the breaks bled by a qualified mechanic (very important) so as to avoid serious damages to the system.
Tags: brake, braking system, car model, engine, r cars, safety, vehicle, wheel