Brake Fluid
1. National Brake Fluid, Its Boiling Point Decreases.
Under demanding conditions, such as repeated heavy braking, towing or travelling down steep hills, excessively moisture-contaminated fluid may begin to boil.
This can create vapour within the braking system, potentially causing a soft or spongy brake pedal and reduced braking effectiveness.
Replacing deteriorated brake fluid helps maintain the performance and safety of your braking system.
2. Brake Fluid Deteriorates with Age, Not Just Mileage
Many motorists assume that if they haven’t driven many miles, their brake fluid won’t need replacing.
Unfortunately, this isn’t necessarily true.
Most modern vehicles use glycol-based brake fluid, which gradually absorbs moisture over time.
Even a vehicle covering only a few thousand miles a year may require a brake fluid change because of its age.
Unlike brake pads and tyres, brake fluid replacement is commonly based on time rather than mileage.
3. Helps Prevent Corrosion Inside Your Braking System
Moisture contamination doesn’t just affect braking performance.
Water absorbed into the brake fluid can contribute to internal corrosion within components such as:
- Brake pipes and hydraulic lines.
- Brake calipers.
- Brake master cylinders.
- ABS hydraulic control units.
These components can be expensive to repair or replace.
Changing brake fluid at the recommended intervals helps limit moisture-related corrosion and protect the braking system.
4. Helps Protect Your ABS and Stability Control Systems
Modern vehicles use sophisticated braking technology, including Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
These systems rely on hydraulic components and control valves to regulate brake pressure.
Contaminated brake fluid can contribute to corrosion and deterioration within sensitive hydraulic components.
Using the correct specification of clean brake fluid helps protect these important systems.
5. Helps Avoid Potentially Expensive Repairs
A brake fluid change is a relatively inexpensive maintenance procedure compared with replacing major braking components.
Neglecting brake fluid replacement can increase the risk of moisture-related corrosion and hydraulic system problems.
Regular replacement is sensible preventative maintenance that may help avoid more costly repairs later.
How Do You Know if Your Brake Fluid Needs Changing?
One of the biggest problems with ageing brake fluid is that there may be no obvious warning signs.
Your brakes may feel perfectly normal during everyday driving, even when the fluid has absorbed excessive moisture.
Possible signs that your brake fluid or braking system requires attention include:
- A brake fluid change being due according to the manufacturer’s schedule.
- A high moisture reading from a suitable brake fluid test.
- A soft or spongy brake pedal.
- Brake fluid that is visibly contaminated.
- A brake warning light appearing on your dashboard.
- A noticeable change in braking performance.
Important: A soft brake pedal or reduced braking performance may indicate a serious braking fault, not simply old brake fluid. If your brakes aren’t functioning normally, do not continue driving. Have the vehicle inspected professionally.
How Often Should Brake Fluid Be Changed?
Many vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing brake fluid approximately every two years, regardless of mileage.
However, the correct interval varies depending on the vehicle manufacturer, model and type of brake fluid used.
Some vehicles have different replacement schedules, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
At Hardings, we can check the recommended interval for your particular vehicle and advise whether replacement is due.
Remember: Even if you only drive a few thousand miles a year, your brake fluid may still need replacing.
What Happens if You Don’t Change Your Brake Fluid?
As conventional brake fluid ages and absorbs moisture, several problems may develop:
- A reduction in the fluid’s boiling point.
- Increased risk of vapour forming during demanding braking conditions.
- Possible loss of braking effectiveness under high temperatures.
- Internal corrosion of hydraulic braking components.
- Potential problems with ABS hydraulic components.
- Increased risk of costly repairs.
Although these problems may develop gradually, the consequences of severely deteriorated brake fluid can be serious.
Replacing it at the recommended intervals helps reduce these risks.
What Is Involved in a Brake Fluid Change?
A professional brake fluid replacement generally involves:
- Checking the manufacturer’s brake fluid specification.
- Inspecting relevant parts of the braking system for obvious leaks or defects.
- Removing the old brake fluid from the hydraulic braking system using the appropriate procedure.
- Replacing it with new fluid meeting the manufacturer’s required specification.
- Bleeding the braking system correctly to remove trapped air.
- Checking the brake pedal feel, fluid level and system operation.
Some vehicles require specific equipment or procedures, particularly those with certain ABS or electronically controlled braking systems.
At Hardings, our experienced technicians follow the appropriate servicing procedures for your vehicle.
Does It Matter Which Brake Fluid Is Used?
Absolutely!
Not all brake fluids are the same.
Common brake fluid classifications include:
DOT 3
Used in certain vehicles, particularly older models, depending on manufacturer requirements.
DOT 4
Widely used in modern vehicles and designed to meet specified braking-system performance requirements.
DOT 5.1
A glycol-based brake fluid with performance characteristics suitable for certain applications.
DOT 5
A silicone-based fluid used in specific applications. It must not be confused with DOT 5.1 and is generally unsuitable for systems designed for conventional glycol-based brake fluids.
The correct fluid depends on the vehicle manufacturer’s requirements.
Using an incorrect or incompatible brake fluid can cause serious braking-system problems.
At Hardings, we use brake fluid that meets the appropriate specification for your vehicle.
Brake Fluid Change vs Brake Pads and Discs – What’s the Difference?
Although all three are essential to braking, they perform very different functions.
Brake Fluid
Transfers hydraulic pressure through the braking system, allowing the brakes to operate.
Brake Pads
Create friction against the brake discs to slow the wheels.
Brake Discs
Provide the braking surfaces against which the pads operate.
Brake pads and discs wear primarily through use, whereas conventional brake fluid also deteriorates with age and moisture absorption.
This means your brake fluid can be due for replacement even when your brake pads and discs are in excellent condition.
Will My Car Fail Its MOT Because of Old Brake Fluid?
An MOT test checks important aspects of the braking system, including braking efficiency, visible defects and certain fluid-related issues.
However, an MOT does not routinely include a brake fluid moisture or boiling-point test.
A vehicle can therefore pass its MOT while its brake fluid is overdue for replacement.
Passing an MOT should not be confused with completing the manufacturer’s recommended servicing.
At Hardings, we recommend keeping up to date with both MOT testing and routine vehicle maintenance.
Why Choose Hardings?
At Hardings (Hemel Hempstead) Ltd, we’ve been looking after motorists since 1946.
With decades of motor industry experience, we understand how important maintaining your vehicle’s braking system is to your safety.
As an independent garage, we service and repair all makes and models of cars and light commercial vehicles.
Our experienced technicians can advise whether your brake fluid is due for replacement and carry out the work using the correct fluid specification and appropriate procedures.
We’ll explain what your vehicle requires and provide a clear quotation before carrying out any additional work.
Don’t Compromise on Your Braking System
Your brakes are one of the most important safety systems on your vehicle.
While brake pads and discs often receive the most attention, the fluid operating your braking system is just as important.
Regular brake fluid replacement helps maintain dependable braking performance, protect hydraulic components and reduce the risk of expensive repairs.
Book Your Brake Fluid Replacement Today
Not sure when your brake fluid was last changed?
Contact Hardings (Hemel Hempstead) Ltd with your vehicle registration number, and our friendly team can check the manufacturer’s recommended replacement interval and provide a competitive quotation.
Hardings – Looking After You and Your Car Since 1946.
1. National Brake Fluid, its Boiling Point Decreases.
Under demanding conditions, such as repeated heavy braking, towing or travelling down steep hills, excessively moisture-contaminated fluid may begin to boil.
This can create vapour within the braking system, potentially causing a soft or spongy brake pedal and reduced braking effectiveness.
Replacing deteriorated brake fluid helps maintain the performance and safety of your braking system.
2. Brake Fluid Deteriorates with Age, Not Just Mileage
Many motorists assume that if they haven’t driven many miles, their brake fluid won’t need replacing.
Unfortunately, this isn’t necessarily true.
Most modern vehicles use glycol-based brake fluid, which gradually absorbs moisture over time.
Even a vehicle covering only a few thousand miles a year may require a brake fluid change because of its age.
Unlike brake pads and tyres, brake fluid replacement is commonly based on time rather than mileage.
3. Helps Prevent Corrosion Inside Your Braking System
Moisture contamination doesn’t just affect braking performance.
Water absorbed into the brake fluid can contribute to internal corrosion within components such as:
- Brake pipes and hydraulic lines
- Brake calipers
- Brake master cylinders
- ABS hydraulic control units
These components can be expensive to repair or replace.
Changing brake fluid at the recommended intervals helps limit moisture-related corrosion and protect the braking system.
4. Helps Protect Your ABS and Stability Control Systems
Modern vehicles use sophisticated braking technology, including Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
These systems rely on hydraulic components and control valves to regulate brake pressure.
Contaminated brake fluid can contribute to corrosion and deterioration within sensitive hydraulic components.
Using the correct specification of clean brake fluid helps protect these important systems.
5. Helps Avoid Potentially Expensive Repairs
A brake fluid change is a relatively inexpensive maintenance procedure compared with replacing major braking components.
Neglecting brake fluid replacement can increase the risk of moisture-related corrosion and hydraulic system problems.
Regular replacement is sensible preventative maintenance that may help avoid more costly repairs later.
How Do You Know if Your Brake Fluid Needs Changing?
One of the biggest problems with ageing brake fluid is that there may be no obvious warning signs.
Your brakes may feel perfectly normal during everyday driving, even when the fluid has absorbed excessive moisture.
Possible signs that your brake fluid or braking system requires attention include:
- A brake fluid change being due according to the manufacturer’s schedule.
- A high moisture reading from a suitable brake fluid test.
- A soft or spongy brake pedal
- Brake fluid that is visibly contaminated.
- A brake warning light appearing on your dashboard
- A noticeable change in braking performance
Important: A soft brake pedal or reduced braking performance may indicate a serious braking fault, not simply old brake fluid. If your brakes aren’t functioning normally, do not continue driving. Have the vehicle inspected professionally.
How Often Should Brake Fluid Be Changed?
Many vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing brake fluid approximately every two years, regardless of mileage.
However, the correct interval varies depending on the vehicle manufacturer, model and type of brake fluid used.
Some vehicles have different replacement schedules, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
At Hardings, we can check the recommended interval for your particular vehicle and advise whether replacement is due.
Remember: Even if you only drive a few thousand miles a year, your brake fluid may still need replacing.
What Happens if You Don’t Change Your Brake Fluid?
As conventional brake fluid ages and absorbs moisture, several problems may develop:
- A reduction in the fluid’s boiling point
- Increased risk of vapour forming during demanding braking conditions
- Possible loss of braking effectiveness under high temperatures
- Internal corrosion of hydraulic braking components
- Potential problems with ABS hydraulic components
- Increased risk of costly repairs
Although these problems may develop gradually, the consequences of severely deteriorated brake fluid can be serious.
Replacing it at the recommended intervals helps reduce these risks.
What Is Involved in a Brake Fluid Change?
A professional brake fluid replacement generally involves:
- Checking the manufacturer’s brake fluid specification.
- Inspecting relevant parts of the braking system for obvious leaks or defects.
- Removing the old brake fluid from the hydraulic braking system using the appropriate procedure.
- Replacing it with new fluid meeting the manufacturer’s required specification.
- Bleeding the braking system correctly to remove trapped air.
- Checking the brake pedal feel, fluid level and system operation.
Some vehicles require specific equipment or procedures, particularly those with certain ABS or electronically controlled braking systems.
At Hardings, our experienced technicians follow the appropriate servicing procedures for your vehicle.
Does It Matter Which Brake Fluid Is Used?
Absolutely! Not all brake fluids are the same. Common brake fluid classifications include:
DOT 3
Used in certain vehicles, particularly older models, depending on manufacturer requirements.
DOT 4
Widely used in modern vehicles and designed to meet specified braking-system performance requirements.
DOT 5.1
A glycol-based brake fluid with performance characteristics suitable for certain applications.
DOT 5
A silicone-based fluid used in specific applications. It must not be confused with DOT 5.1 and is generally unsuitable for systems designed for conventional glycol-based brake fluids.
The correct fluid depends on the vehicle manufacturer’s requirements. Using an incorrect or incompatible brake fluid can cause serious braking-system problems. At Hardings, we use brake fluid that meets the appropriate specification for your vehicle.
Brake Fluid Change vs Brake Pads and Discs – What’s the Difference?
Although all three are essential to braking, they perform very different functions.
Brake Fluid
Transfers hydraulic pressure through the braking system, allowing the brakes to operate.
Brake Pads
Create friction against the brake discs to slow the wheels.
Brake Discs
Provide the braking surfaces against which the pads operate.
Brake pads and discs wear primarily through use, whereas conventional brake fluid also deteriorates with age and moisture absorption.
This means your brake fluid can be due for replacement even when your brake pads and discs are in excellent condition.
Will My Car Fail Its MOT Because of Old Brake Fluid?
An MOT test checks important aspects of the braking system, including braking efficiency, visible defects and certain fluid-related issues. However, an MOT does not routinely include a brake fluid moisture or boiling-point test. A vehicle can therefore pass its MOT while its brake fluid is overdue for replacement.
Passing an MOT should not be confused with completing the manufacturer’s recommended servicing. At Hardings, we recommend keeping up to date with both MOT testing and routine vehicle maintenance.
Why Choose Hardings?
At Hardings (Hemel Hempstead) Ltd, we’ve been looking after motorists since 1946.
With decades of motor industry experience, we understand how important maintaining your vehicle’s braking system is to your safety.
As an independent garage, we service and repair all makes and models of cars and light commercial vehicles.
Our experienced technicians can advise whether your brake fluid is due for replacement and carry out the work using the correct fluid specification and appropriate procedures. We’ll explain what your vehicle requires and provide a clear quotation before carrying out any additional work.
Don’t Compromise on Your Braking System
Your brakes are one of the most important safety systems on your vehicle. While brake pads and discs often receive the most attention, the fluid operating your braking system is just as important. Regular brake fluid replacement helps maintain dependable braking performance, protect hydraulic components and reduce the risk of expensive repairs.
Not sure when your brake fluid was last changed?
Contact Hardings (Hemel Hempstead) Ltd with your vehicle registration number, and our friendly team can check the manufacturer’s recommended replacement interval and provide a competitive quotation.
Hardings – Looking After You and Your Car Since 1946.
