Change your car’s brake fluid – on time
THE braking system of a vehicle remains one of the most overlooked – and can be one of the most critical too.
How often should you change your brake fluid then? This is a common question customers ask workshop mechanics, Motor Industry Workshop Association (Miwa) chairman, Dewald Ranft says.
Brake fluid is essential for brakes to work properly, he says. Over time, brake fluid can absorb moisture from the atmosphere, reducing its boiling point and therefore its effectiveness.
This moisture absorption also compromises the integrity of brake system components such as the rubber seals and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
“Brake fluid is a vital part of the brake system so customers are right to be concerned about proper maintenance,” Ranft adds.
Most brake fluid manufacturers recommend changing brake fluid every 18 months – or 60 000km.
Brake fluids are glycol-based DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5.1. Ranft says consumers must be careful not to confuse DOT 5.1 brake fluid with DOT 5 brake fluid, which is a silicone-based brake fluid not compatible with normal road-going vehicles.
DOT 5.1 has seen an enhancement in the properties of glycol-based DOT 4 brake fluid in order to provide safety improvements such as a higher boiling point. “This results in better braking under increased loads and speeds
“Although it is more resistant to deterioration over time, regrettably it does not extend the service lifespan beyond the 18-month period,” Ranft says.
Unhappily brake systems do sometimes become contaminated. In this event it is necessary to completely flush out all of the existing contaminated brake fluid and replace it with new fluid.
A word of warning: Although DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 can be interchanged, it is not a recommended practice.
There are so many [brake fluids] now that you have to be aware of, and different manufacturers have different recommendations,” Ranft says.
This brake fluid change is not a do-it-yourself procedure as the technology in modern brake systems can put you at risk if you fail to follow the flushing and servicing procedure to the letter.
Rather contact your manufacturer or visit a Miwa service centre for clarification.
“Bad brakes kill. Do not leave your braking system to chance. Have it professionally checked regularly,” Ranft says.