Change for the Better - Hey Brakes!

Changes are to do much for the better, if you analyze the change is going to affect positively then don’t think much. Same applies for the vehicles.

Changing many fluids in a vehicle is always a change for the better. Dirty engine oil, transmission fluid or anti-freeze are bad news for a car.

Also don’t forget brake fluid? Many motorists know that this fluid should be topped off, but changed?

According to CarDrives brake fluid in the typical vehicle can become dirty in two years or less. This is due to the fluid absorbs moisture, which works its way through the hydraulic system. If you are driving in heavy braking conditions or hilly driving or when towing a trailer, moisture in the overheated in mountainous or hilly driving or when towing a trailer, moisture in the overheated fluid vaporizes (This is because boiling point of water is lower than that of brake fluid) and braking efficiency is reduced.

Sometimes even under normal driving conditions this happens, if the brake fluid is seriously contaminated. Not only is the fluid vulnerable to vaporizing, it also can freeze.

Brake fluid should maintain a sable viscosity throughout its operating temperature range. If it’s too thin or too thick, braking action is harmed. Beyond the vaporization hazard, moisture creates an extra dilemma for owners of vehicles equipped with anti-lock braking (ABS) systems. Rusted and corroded ABS components are very expensive to replace.

How do you know when to have fluid changed? A normal replacement every two years or 24,000 miles is recommended.

Certainly it should be included with brake pad or shoe replacement, as a preventive measure, a professional brake technician should test the condition of the fluid with an accurate fluid test safety meter, which he inserts into the master cylinder reservoir to record the fluid’s boiling point.