Brake Fluid Most Vital, yet often overlooked.
The brake system of motor vehicles needs to be properly maintained. While many motorists are aware that their brake pads wear over time, many fail to realise that their brake fluid also degrades over time and needs to be regularly changed in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
Brake system contamination is inevitable due to the imperfect sealing of the system against moisture. Many brake problems can be traced to air or contamination of the hydraulic fluid. Leaks at fittings where lines and hoses connected to the master cylinder, callipers and or wheel cylinders can allow air to enter the system, as can corrosion through brake lines. Air can also appear after moisture gets into the fluid and boils, giving off steam. Two signs of air in the brake fluid are a noticeable decrease in brake performance and a spongy pedal that quickly and nearly effortlessly goes to the floor as air compresses easier than fluid.
Brake fluid by nature is hygroscopic, (it rapidly absorbs moisture from the air on contact). As little as 3% moisture can decrease the fluids performance by up to 30% !!!! and also negate it's anti-corrosiveness. Anti-lock brake systems (ABS) are especially affected by moisture because they can cycle as many as 20 times per seconds, Spongy pedal feel is a sign of moisture in the brake fluid. Depending on temperature fluctuations and humidity, a brake system can take on as much as 3% water in as little as eight months.
Dirty & Contaminated brake fluid causes costly, dangerous and premature failure of internal brake components, such as master cylinders, caliper pistons, wheel cylinders, lines and fittings and abs units. Ultimately reducing the braking efficiency and safety of your car.
As mentioned above: Brake fluid retains moisture and should be flushed and re-bled (remove the air from the system) to keep brakes working effectively, restore soft pedal pressure and avoid internal corrosion of brake components At Mansfield Motors we follow manufacturers recommendations every 2 Years or 40 000 km's or by testing and inspecting the brake fluids condition and advising the customer if it requires replacement.