Brake fluid is a liquid chemical solution that is utilized in modern cars' hydraulic braking systems. It's made to transform the force of your foot on the brake pedal into pressure on your car's brakes. It would take a lot more than your foot to stop your car if you didn't have brake fluid!

Brake fluid is an important component of your hydraulic braking system, but what is it and what does it do? Does brake fluid deteriorate or need to be replaced? We've got the answers below, including when to change your brake fluid and four warning signals that your brake fluid level is low. When applying the force on the brake panel, then the brake fluid turns the foot’s force into pressure on your car brake.

When the brake panel gets pressure, then the brake fluid converts that force into the pressure on the brake panel. At that moment, the vehicle’s wheel gets forced and it will slow down. Working under high temperatures, the brake fluid provides the facilities and movement of the vehicle’s brake system components. Without the brake oil, the vehicle’s brake system increases the metal friction between the metal components of the brake system. Although it can damage your vehicle braking system.

BRAKE FLUID MUST BE THE RIGHT VISCOSITY

To be effective, the brake fluid must be precisely prepared. For starters, it must maintain a steady viscosity across a wide temperature range (viscosity refers to how thick a liquid is and how easily it flows). The easiest approach to figure out which brake fluid type is correct for your automobile is to consult the owner's manual or ask your local auto repair shop. That way, you can be sure you're obtaining the appropriate viscosity and base (most braking fluids are either glycol or silicone-based, and the two should never be mixed)!

BRAKE FLUID MUST HAVE A HIGH BOILING POINT

Second, the boiling point of the braking fluid must be high. Because friction from the brake pads generates a lot of heat, if the fluid around the brakes reaches its boiling point, it will be evaporated into gas, and the brakes will stop working.
WHAT DOES BRAKE FLUID DO?
So, when you press the brake pedal, what does brake fluid do? The force generated by your foot is first amplified by a vacuum booster located right behind the pedal. The master cylinder is activated by this increased force, which forces pressurized brake fluid into the brake lines. The more you press down on the brake pedal, the more pressured the fluid becomes, increasing the brakes' stopping force.

The brake fluid then travels via the brake lines until it reaches each wheel's calliper (or wheel cylinder in the case of drum brakes). A set of pistons is then forced to push the brake pads against a spinning rotor by the compressed fluid. This works because liquids, such as braking fluid, are incompressible, which means they may behave as a solid force under pressure yet moving like a liquid. The friction between the brake pads and the rotor causes the wheels to decelerate and eventually halt.

All of this happens in the blink of an eye, which is impressive. However, if your braking fluid is old or low, your brakes will be less sensitive, or worse, won't operate at all. That's why it's critical to have your brake fluid checked on a regular basis.

DOES BRAKE FLUID GO BAD OR NEED TO BE CHANGED?
Yes, to put it succinctly. Brake fluid does deteriorate over time and should be replaced according to the manufacturer's recommendations or as indicated by a professional based on copper level testing findings.

There are several reasons why your brake fluid degrades over time. The first is that brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means it collects moisture from the air rapidly. It's hard to prohibit small amounts of moisture from mixing with your brake fluid, even though your brakes are supposed to be part of a closed system. This is typically caused by microscopic flaws in rubber hoses, faulty seals, or the braking fluid cap being left open for longer than necessary.

Exposure to the air might cause the water content in your braking fluid to rise over time. Because water lowers the boiling point of your brake fluid, even a small amount of water contamination can cause your brakes to lose efficacy.

Corrosion in the brake lines is another reason your brake fluid may need to be replaced. Corrosion inhibitors and antioxidants in brake fluid help keep critical sections of the brake system running smoothly. These inhibitors, on the other hand, degrade over time, resulting in metal corrosion and the build-up of impurities that obstruct brake fluid flow. Metal parts can rust if they are exposed to too much water.

Visit your local car maintenance professionals for a free brake inspection, which includes brake fluid testing, to avoid driving about with tainted brake fluid! Our qualified technicians may propose a brake fluid exchange based on their findings, which entails draining and replacing the brake fluid in your hydraulic braking system. Always refer to your owner's manual for more specific brake fluid service recommendations.

SIGNS OF LOW BRAKE FLUID
SOFT PEDAL
You may be short on brake fluid if your brake pedal is "softer" than usual or sinks to the floor without much resistance. The brake pedal gets "squishy" and requires more energy from your foot to adequately pressurize when there is less brake fluid to compress. This indicates that your brakes aren't working properly and that they should be fixed as soon as possible.

OILY PUDDLE UNDER THE CAR
Your brake system may be leaking if you see a puddle of liquid accumulating beneath your automobile that is slightly greasy to the touch. Brake fluid can leak from a variety of areas, including rubber hoses, around the calipers, and from the master cylinder. To protect your safety, brake fluid leaks should be repaired as soon as possible.

ABS WARNING LIGHT
The presence of an illuminated ABS warning light on your dashboard could indicate that your brake fluid is low. To function properly, the Anti-Lock Brake System requires adequate brake fluid levels. If the light blinks on and off while driving, you may have a leak. If the Service Brakes warning light is illuminated, though, you may be dealing with a more significant issue. When a dashboard light or warning message illuminates your vehicle, it's best to get it inspected by a professional.

OLD BRAKE PADS
Brake pads get thinner as they wear down, requiring them to be pushed further against the rotor. The more brake fluid it takes to fill the calipers and squeeze the brake pads, the thinner the brake pads are. If your brake pads haven't been serviced in a long time or are making a whining noise (a sign that they need to be replaced), it's time to get them serviced — and perhaps replace your brake fluid while you're doing it!

When to Change the Brake Fluid?
Despite the fact that the entire brake assembly is sealed, the brake oil's life is influenced by a number of factors.
A component in the braking system of an automobile or vehicle can be damaged at any time. Water or air seeps through as a result of this.
This lowers the pressure inside the system and pollutes the fluid. This encourages you to replace your brake fluid.
Brake fluid may flow from the affected location if the damage is severe.
A comprehensive check can help in this situation. You should also have your vehicle inspected. So, to make things a bit easier, we propose downloading the GoMechanic app and entrusting the problem to the specialists.
Brake oil should be replenished every 40,000 to 45,000 kilometers.
Because brake bleeding isn't always done correctly, we don't recommend driving the car right after an oil change.
Get a good feel for the brakes and start with the paddle.

Types of Brake Fluids Offered
1. DOT No. 3
Glycol-based DOT3 brake oil is the most common on the market. This brake fluid has been on the market for a long time. Despite its age, it is still widely used due to its cost-to-performance ratio. The boiling point of brand new DOT3 brake oil is around 205 degrees Celsius. When the old deteriorates, however, it can only tolerate temperatures of 140 degrees Celsius. Overheating of the brake oil can occur if the brake oil is not changed. The vehicle's braking bite will be hampered as a result of this. To purchase, go here and it will be delivered to your door.
2. DOT 4

The DOT4 is a slightly more expensive option. This, too, is a glycol-based brake oil, but the composition is different. DOT4 brake oil can endure temperatures of up to 230 degrees Celsius due to its unique composition. We may also lessen the moisture buildup inside the system simply by adding some chemicals. Additionally, these are ideally suited for vehicles with ABS and TC. Although DOT3 and DOT4 brake lubricants have some essential characteristics, GoMechanic spares do not advocate mixing them. You can also get DOT4 brake fluid by going to this link. It will be delivered to you by GoMechanic Spares.

3. DOT 5
The DOT5 brake fluid is one of the most expensive brake fluids. The DOT5 brake oil's best feature is that it is silicone-based. The chemical makeup of DOT5 brake fluid allows it to withstand temperatures of up to 260 degrees Celsius. Another advantage is that, unlike glycol-based brake fluids, this brake fluid does not absorb water. However, there are a number of issues with DOT5 oil. Foam (lather) formation is also a little easier with this brake oil. And, unlike air, these foam bubbles are much more difficult to bleed. GoMechanic Spares is pleased to announce that our DOT5 brake fluid will be available in the near future. This is great for cars that sit for long periods of time.
4. DOT 5.1
The DOT 5.1 brake fluid is the one on the list that can withstand the most heat. DOT 5.1 brake fluid, on the other hand, is made up of a mixture of borate ester and glycol ether. It can endure temperatures of up to 260 degrees Celsius due to its intricate makeup. DOT 5.1 brake oil also has some qualities in common with DOT 3 and DOT 4. The most notable is that it is also hygroscopic. This means it can absorb moisture as well.
Conclusion
The brake fluid and its impotence have been covered in this article. The proper maintenance of your vehicle's braking system necessitates the use of brake fluid. They are, nevertheless, more important for safety. The hydraulic oil in your car must be replaced and drained. We've spoken about how brake oil works and how important it is in this article. You will have a better grasp of how to choose the correct fluid type here. If you have any more questions or recommendations, please leave them in the comments section.