If you are curious to first know what NaijaCarNews.com thinks about the period for changing the Brake fluid, we will first answer you by directly quoting a reliable auto care source Cars.com below;

“The recommended intervals for changing brake fluid are all over the board depending on the manufacturer, from as often as every two years to actually never.”

And yes, the last part that says “never” is also valid in some case. Let’s explain better below.

Let’s consider some example in explaining this better;

Chevrolet cars usually get due for a brake change on most models after each 45,000 miles distance covered, but Honda vehicles will actually require a brake fluid change after every 3 years no matter how small or large the mileage readings are.

It is also common for most Volkswagen vehicles to have 3-years specified as the recommended time too. However, Mercedes-Benz cars will typically require a fresh brake fluid after every 20,000 miles or 2-years.

The best advice that auto expert gives is; “Change your brake fluids before you have to”

In total contrast, on the Toyota Camry, Hyundai Elantra, Ford Escape and other models from these manufacturers, there exist no specific recommendations for best times to replace the brake fluid. The only instructions given is on how/why to inspect it periodically and that’s all.

This means that these brands leave the decisions to prospective car owners to consult their most trusted auto repair shops for the best advice on their particular vehicle model.

The brake fluid in almost every car survive for years in a sealed system, but the moisture that comes from the surrounding air can sometimes work their way into this enclosure through hoses in the car and some other parts of the vehicle’s braking system. If the brake fluid in your car has become very dirty and contaminated, it can really affect the operation of the entire braking system itself. You could start to feel the effect on the brake pedal in the form of heat dissipation in repeated stops as you drive the affected car.

The presence of water in the brake lines of a car lowers the fluid’s boiling point so, the stopping ability can really diminish especially during hard stops as the heat increase in the brake system. Also, over the course of time, the moisture can as well cause internal corrosion to occur in the master cylinder, callipers, brake lines and some other parts too.

It depends how long you will need to change your brake fluid

It usually costs less to flush out and replace the brake fluid in most vehicles, but it sure cost much more money to replace rusted callipers, brake lines, and all other parts of a vehicle’s brake system. So, the benefit of properly maintaining the fluid in your car’s brake system is very much obvious now.

A common rule of thumb you can adopt is; it is wise for a car owner or driver to inspect and test for the presence of moisture content once in every few years interval, and preferably five years in case you reside in a highly humid area. Similarly, drivers and car owners that live in areas that experience cold weather or winter should as well inspect their vehicle’s brake system more frequently because salt and some other contaminants can easily get into their vehicle’s brake fluid.

  When Should I Change My Brake Fluid?

By mere looking at the brake fluid present in the reservoir, you might even be able to just tell if it is time for a change or not. This reservoir usually sits on the top of the master cylinder under the hood.

This brake fluid is usually light brown in colour when you observe it, and in some cars, it is usually clear especially when still new but ultimately gets darkened in all cases as it ages and could become murky from contamination by water.

Conclusion

A recommended better option for you guys is to have an auto professional test the fluid out for you to check for moisture presence.

Good brake fluid is obviously very crucial to stopping any moving vehicle just as good engine oil is needed to keep the car going, therefore, the brake fluid needs more attention.

Meanwhile, if you want more useful tips and advice like this, navigate here: -> Car Care