Good brakes are one of the main guarantees for your safety on the road. Their reliability depends on the quality of the brake fluid in the vehicle's braking system. How long can the car be operated without changing the brake fluid?
Necessary
- - wrench 9X11;
- - flexible tubes for draining old fluid;
- - plastic bottle 1.5 l.;
- - brake fluid of the recommended brand (one and a half to two volumes).
Instructions
Step 1
It would seem that the brake fluid circulates in an enclosed space, and therefore its composition should not change. The only thing that happens to it is periodic heating and cooling. And in this regard: is it necessary to change the brake fluid at all?
Step 2
As for the enclosed space, this is not entirely true. Air enters the system through the compensation holes when the brake pedal is depressed and exits when the piston moves back. Together with air, moisture inevitably enters the liquid from the atmosphere. Also, throughout the entire time, irreversible chemical reactions take place in the liquid itself; the additives included in its composition lose their properties. All these processes change the initial formula of the brake fluid and reduce its quality characteristics. Based on this, regardless of the intensity of vehicle use, change the entire brake fluid at least once every two years due to its natural aging.
Step 3
Brake fluids are made either on a mineral or glycol base. They have different additive compositions, boiling point and other characteristics. The choice of standard should be based on the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer. Thus, it is not permissible to pour glycolic fluid into a brake system intended for use with mineral-based fluids. Therefore, if you were forced to add brake fluid of someone else's standard on the way, upon returning to the garage, drain it all from the system and fill it with the appropriate one.
Step 4
Focus on the intensity of vehicle use and brake damping. If you have done a hard ride with frequent or prolonged braking, such as riding in the mountains, the brake fluid will certainly lose its quality more quickly. Drain and replace. Be sure to change all brake fluid on a newly purchased used vehicle. Who knows how long it hasn't changed.
