Brake fluid plays a critical role in your vehicle’s braking system. Every time you press the brake pedal,
brake fluid transfers force from your foot to the brakes, allowing your car to slow down and stop safely.
Over time, brake fluid can become
contaminated with moisture, debris, and air, which reduces braking performance and can even lead to brake failure. Knowing the warning signs of worn or contaminated brake fluid can help you avoid dangerous situations on the road.
Here are
five common signs you may need a brake fluid change or brake fluid flush.
Soft, Bouncy, or Spongy Brake Pedal
One of the most common signs you need a
brake fluid change is a soft or spongy brake pedal.
If your brake pedal feels:
or if you have to press the pedal
close to the floor before the vehicle slows down, your brake fluid may be low or contaminated.
When brake fluid deteriorates or air enters the brake lines, it reduces hydraulic pressure in the system. This can make braking less responsive and potentially dangerous.
If you notice a spongy brake pedal, it is best to schedule a
brake fluid inspection or brake fluid flush as soon as possible.
Spongy brakes or slow stopping? Schedule a brake fluid service at Chapel Hill Tire today.
ABS Dashboard Light
Your vehicle’s
ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) prevents your wheels from locking up during sudden braking.
If your
ABS warning light turns on, it could indicate a problem with the braking system — including
low or contaminated brake fluid.
Brake fluid levels affect the pressure within the ABS system. When levels drop or the fluid becomes degraded, sensors may trigger the warning light to alert you to a potential issue.
A professional brake inspection can determine whether you need a
brake fluid change,
brake repair, or another
brake service.
Reduced or Ineffective Braking Performance
Your brakes should be quick and responsive to help you stay safe in an emergency.
Any delays or difficulties while slowing or stopping your vehicle is a sign that your brakes need servicing. Such issues could be the sign you need a brake fluid flush.
Other possible culprits include
warped rotors,
worn brake pads, or an issue with another brake system component. Ineffective braking could also be caused by an
underlying problem, such as
worn tire tread, shocks, or struts. A professional can check your brake system and tell you which service you need to restore brake performance.
A
brake fluid flush removes contaminated fluid and restores proper hydraulic pressure in the braking system.
Strange Noises or Smells when Braking
If you notice strange sounds when you are braking, this could be caused by low brake fluid or another brake system issue. Common sounds include scraping or grinding noises.
Burning smells after hard braking could mean that you have burnt-out brake fluid. In this case, you should pull over your vehicle into a safe place and give it time to cool down. You should also contact a local mechanic for insight and schedule a service visit. Driving with burnt brake fluid could create more serious issues—including brake failure.
Routine Maintenance for Brake Fluid Flushes
When all else fails, you can fall back on your recommended maintenance schedule for brake fluid replacement. On average, you will need a
brake fluid flush every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Routine maintenance also heavily depends on your driving patterns. For example, if you tend to drive shorter routes with frequent braking, you may need more frequent brake fluid flushes. You can check your owner’s manual for any brake fluid information specific to your vehicle.
Brake Fluid Flushes: Chapel Hill Tire
Still unsure if you
need a brake fluid flush? Bring your vehicle to the local auto mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire. We will replace all of your old, dirty, and depleted brake fluid to restore your brake functioning.
Our mechanics proudly serve the greater Triangle area with our 11
locations across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Apex,
Durham, and Carrboro. We also serve surrounding communities, including
Wake Forest,
Pittsboro,
Knightdale,
Hillsborough,
Morrisville, and beyond. You can
make your appointmenthere online to get started today!
