BRAKE FLUID CHANGE

A vital part of car maintenance is to change your brake fluid to ensure safety of brake components. Most manufacturers recommend that you change your brake fluid every 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever is sooner. Our fully qualified technicians will drain the old fluid and then refill with new brake fluid to the correct specification. We will also safely dispose of the old fluid in an environmentally friendly way.
*A brake fluid change is included as part of our Major Service.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN A BRAKE FLUID CHANGE?

  • Checking the current brake fluid level
  • Measuring brake fluid boiling point
  • Assess brake components for damage & leaks
  • Bleeding excess air from brake system
  • Refilling brake fluid

WHY IS BRAKE FLUID IMPORTANT?

Brake fluid plays a crucial role in your braking system as it transfers the force created when a driver presses the brake pedal directly onto the wheel hub.
Heat generated under braking, especially under heavier breaking or prolonged breaking, may affect the brake fluid which can only work if it is liquid and not so hot that it has become vapour. Therefore, the boiling point that your brake fluid can achieve is critical to efficient braking as temperatures above the boiling point form vapour bubbles in the system, potentially resulting in brake failure.
In addition, the brake fluid serves as a lubricant of all movable parts and prevents corrosion. It has to be compatible with rubber seals and hoses thus allowing braking systems to achieve long service and optimal performance.

WHY DOES BRAKE FLUID DETERIORATE?

Brake fluid has hygroscopic properties – meaning that it absorbs moisture during its life in your car through the pipes, hoses and joints that it lubricates. As the water content in the brake fluid increases, the temperature the liquid boils at decreases. The boiling point can be significantly reduced by water contamination which will have a negative effect on your braking ability
Whilst regular servicing of your vehicle will include checking the boiling point of your brake fluid, vehicle manufacturers recommend that you change your brake fluid at least every two years if not sooner (check your vehicle handbook for details). Changing brake fluid when recommended prevents brake failure and maintains the boiling point at a safe level.
The table below shows how the boiling point of DOT 4 ESP Brake Fluid can be severely reduced when it is ‘wet’ (i.e. contaminated with water) compared to when it is ‘dry’ (i.e. no water content like when the brake fluid is brand new)
Dry boiling point (°C)
Wet boiling point (°C)
DOT 4 Standard
230
DOT 4 ESP Brake Fluid
266
DOT 4 Standard
155
DOT 4 ESP Brake Fluid
171