The Benefits of Changing or Flushing Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs small amounts of water as you drive through Fitchburg and Gardner. Over time, this can impact the way that your hydraulic braking system functions. Additionally, your brake fluid may pick up road debris. This debris can lower the boiling point of your brake fluid, which can lead to reduced braking performance as your brakes heat up. Debris might also impact the way that your traction control and anti-lock braking systems function under pressure.

For all these reasons, it’s important to schedule a brake fluid change or a brake fluid flush at least once every few years!

Brake Fluid Change vs. Flush

From time to time, your service technician may recommend a brake fluid flush. Many Leominster-area drivers have questions about what this means, and it’s not hard to understand why.

After all, if you compare the prices for brake fluid changes vs. flushes, you’ll see that flushes tend to be more expensive. Given that a standard brake fluid change already involves draining and replacing the fluid in your braking system, why would you pay extra for something that—at first glance—looks like a more expensive version of the same thing?

Well, it all comes down to the condition of your braking system. Let’s compare brake fluid flushes vs. changes to see what sets these two options apart:

• A brake fluid change drains most (but not all) braking fluid from your braking system. You’ll get new, fresh fluid for your system, but the residues that accumulate as you drive may not be completely washed out.

• A brake fluid flush allows the service technician to clear all of the accumulated gunk, debris, and leftover fluid from your braking lines. At the end of the service, your entire braking system will be cleaner than if you’d scheduled a simple change.

Generally speaking, regular brake fluid changes are sufficient to keep your braking system in working order. However, older vehicles in particular may benefit from braking fluid flushes.

Air bubbles can also accumulate in brake lines—but it’s worth noting that bubbles can be cleared without changing or flushing the entire stock of brake fluid in your vehicle. This is a process known as ‘bleeding’ the brakes. If you notice that your brakes feel ‘squishy’, or like you need to press down harder to slow the vehicle, it may be time to schedule this service.

How Often to Change Brake Fluid

To discover how often to change your brake fluid, it’s best to check the recommendations in your owner’s manual. Different vehicles may have different requirements. Moreover, the way that you drive can impact the total lifespan of your brake fluid. If you always accelerate quickly and ride the brakes to a stop, your brake pads and your brake fluid will both expire more quickly than they otherwise would.

With all this said, most experts recommend that you change your brake fluid once every two to three years, or once every 20,000 to 30,000 miles.

Schedule Your Next Brake Fluid Change at Ron Bouchard Chrysler Dodge RAM

If you still have questions about changing or flushing brake fluid, all you have to do is let us know! Our Fitchburg dealership is here to help, and we offer rotating service specials that can help you save big. When you’re ready to pay us a visit, just go ahead and schedule service online!