The brakes are probably the most important component of your car. When you press the brake pedal, brake fluid is forced down to the brake calipers in each wheel, causing the brake pads to “squeeze” against the brake discs. This friction ensures that you and your passengers can stop safely in case of an emergency, or just in everyday driving conditions.
How do I know if I might need to replace my brakes?
- Car pulls to one side
- Unusual scrapping noise
- Rear wheel locks and skids
- Brake pedal becomes “spongy”
- Brake pedal is too hard
- Car takes too long to stop
- Low brake fluid level
- Brake warning light illuminating on dashboard
- Hand brake has reduced effectiveness and becomes difficult to hold on hills.
Should you become concerned about your vehicle brakes and braking system in anyway simply call us and we will inspect your brake system and advise you
Brake Fluid
Keeping your vehicles braking system in optimal condition is crucial for your safety and that of others. Brake fluid is a vital part of the brake system and ABS units.
Unfortunately brake fluid is one of the most neglected items in the car as it can only be under extreme conditions when you need it most that you notice any problems.
What does brake fluid do?
- Transmits the force on the brake pedal into pressure to all parts of the braking system which will apply the brakes.
- Brake fluid is designed to have a high boiling point to withstand a high temperature generated by the friction of braking.
- Brake fluid prevents the system from freezing during icy conditions and extreme cold.
- Brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs water. As it absorbs moisture over time, the boiling point gradually lowers –
this reduces the effectiveness of the brake fluid. - Once the water content rises above 3%, the performance of the braking system becomes compromised.
- Water reduces the boiling point of the fluid, air bubbles are created and braking can become ineffective
- You will only be aware of the problem after heavy braking sometimes when it is too late!!
- Brake fluid contamination is now such a major concern that all manufacturers recommend that it is changed at least every two years
and between 30,000kms intervals. - Water in the brake fluid will cause premature wear of the Wheel Cylinders and brake callipers. Failure to change your brake fluid
regularly can result in costly repairs.
BRAKE FLUID DETERIORATES OVER TIME AND MUST BE CHANGED REGULARILY TO ENSURE SAFE EFFECTIVE BRAKING. UNFORTUNATELY IT IS ONE OF THE MOST OVERLOOKED VEHICLE FLUIDS.
BALDOYLE AUTO CENTRE HAVE THE LATEST TOOLS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO CHECK AND TEST YOUR VEHICLES BRAKE FLUID CONDITION
CHECKING YOUR BRAKE FLUID
- Check the fluid level in the reservoir
- If it is below the MIN level (or if the brake warning light is on), brake fluid should be added up to the MAX level. Please note low fluid levels may mean your brakes need to be inspected.
- If your brake fluid needs topping up regularly, allow us to inspect your braking system as it may have developed a leak.
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