Checking the brake fluid level is essential to ensure trouble-free operation of the vehicle's braking system. To check the liquid level, there are marks on the surface of the tank showing the maximum and minimum values.
Lack of brake fluid can lead to an emergency on the road, which directly threatens the life and health of the driver, passengers and pedestrians. Maintaining a vehicle's braking system in good working order requires a systematic check of the reservoir level.
Most car manufacturers recommend that vehicle owners check the brake fluid level before every drive. This simple procedure will ensure the safety of your trip.
Checking procedure
To check the brake fluid level, you need to open the bonnet and find the reservoir located on the left side of the engine compartment. The tank is made of a transparent polymer material, which allows you to monitor the liquid level without using a special dipstick or removing the lid. There are two markings on the outside of the reservoir that show the minimum and maximum fluid levels.
If the fluid level is between the above two marks, its volume fully meets the requirements for ensuring the safe operation of the brake system. If the level is below the minimum mark, the brake fluid must be topped up.
Also, to inform the driver about a decrease in the level of brake fluid, a special signal lamp, which is located on the instrument panel, serves. The LED signal indicates a significant drop in the oil level, requiring immediate top-up.
What to do if the liquid level drops below the minimum mark
Before adding brake fluid, carefully cover the adjacent engine parts with a rag to prevent the substance from getting on the car's electrical wiring. Otherwise, liquid ingress may cause a short circuit. The liquid is topped up through the filler neck equipped with a screw cap. Topping up should be the brand of fluid that is indicated by the car manufacturer in the operating documentation.
The nature of the decrease in the brake fluid level may indicate the presence of various malfunctions of the vehicle systems. If, during a systematic check, a gradual decrease in the volume of fluid in the reservoir is detected, this indicates wear on the brake pads, which must be replaced. A sharp drop in the brake fluid level indicates a leak in the brake system reservoir.
In addition to the level, the quality of the liquid is also checked, which is carried out using a special tester. The chemical composition of the brake fluid is characterized by the ability to absorb moisture from the air, which reduces its performance properties.
