Many Colorado Springs drivers are not aware that flushing brake fluid in their vehicles is one of the most important services they can do regularly to maintain their car. Most car owners likely believe that a brake fluid flush is just another item added to the repair list and that mechanic shops are looking to take advantage of their lack of knowledge. The reality is that the brake fluid does need changed out to help deter more serious brake repairs that are very costly.
With brakes, neglecting the routine maintenance of a fluid flush won’t be an obvious problem until a couple of years pass and the vehicle is no longer “new.” It’s then that the previous savings catch up with you and you realize the importance of preventative maintenance.
Because brake fluid is designed to absorbs moisture and retain it to protect the metal brake system, it needs regular flushing. The brake fluid is designed to prevent corrosion due to moisture but the fluid can only hold so much moisture before it needs changed out.
To determine when brake fluid needs flushed, mechanics use test strips and other diagnostics to analyze the color of the fluid. Retired brake fluid is dark amber in color while new fluid is clearer with only a slight yellow tint to it.
If you’re wondering how often brake fluid typically needs changed, a new car’s brakes probably needs it every couple of years, especially if the car has antilock brakes. Prior to the advancement of antilock brake systems, flushing the brakes was not as concerning. Today’s more intricate system is far more sensitive to even the slightest moisture and debris. Because brakes are a safety concern and bigger repairs are so costly, preventative maintenance is money well spent.
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