How to Check Brake Fluid: A Simple Guide for Car Owners

Did you know that something as simple as neglecting your car’s fluids could lead to a costly breakdown – or even a crash? We often hear about checking our oil, but did you know that knowing how to check brake fluid is just as critical? Today, we’re going to talk about just that. We’ll discuss why it’s so important to keep tabs on your brake fluid, what to look for when checking it, and some things you should probably leave to the professionals. Diamond & Diamond Safety Ambassador, Cam Woolley, gave us some great insights to help keep you and your car safe on the road.

Why Knowing How to Check Brake Fluid Matters

Think of brake fluid as the messenger in your car’s braking system. When you hit the brakes, this fluid leaps into action, carrying a crucial signal from your brake pedal to the brakes themselves, telling them to engage. Without the proper amount, or if the fluid is old and contaminated, this vital message can become muddled – leading to slow brake responses or even brake failure.

A Look Under the Hood: What to Check

Don’t worry, this isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Your car’s brake fluid reservoir is usually pretty easy to find.

Locating the Reservoir

If you look under the hood, you’ll usually find the brake master cylinder reservoir at the back of the engine compartment, near the driver’s side. Older vehicles might have a metal reservoir with a clamp, while newer ones often have a see-through plastic reservoir that makes checking the fluid a breeze.

Check Fluid Level

Once you’ve found the reservoir, check the brake fluid level. Most reservoirs will have a “MIN” and “MAX” line – obviously, you want to make sure your fluid level falls within these lines.

Check the Fluid Condition

This is important. Brake fluid shouldn’t be a murky mess. Fresh brake fluid typically has a clear, somewhat amber tint. As it gets older and absorbs moisture, it will darken. If your brake fluid looks like it’s full of dirt or dark brown in color, that’s your cue to have a professional mechanic change your brake fluid. Brake fluid flushes should be done periodically anyway to maintain optimal brake system health. Consult your owner’s manual for recommendations.

Adding Brake Fluid: Proceed with Caution

Adding brake fluid yourself can seem like a quick fix, and sometimes it’s okay to do a top-off.

Using the Correct Fluid

First, make absolutely sure you’re using the correct type of brake fluid specified for your car (usually DOT 3 or DOT 4, printed on the brake fluid reservoir cap and your owner’s manual). Using the wrong type of brake fluid can damage your braking system.

Adding Fluid Safely

Add fluid slowly and carefully, as brake fluid can damage your car’s paint. Clean any spills right away.

When to See a Pro

If you’re topping up your brake fluid frequently, there might be a leak somewhere that you don’t see. This means a trip to your service center is in order.

FAQs about how to check brake fluid

How do you know if brake fluid is low?

Besides physically looking at the level, there are a few telltale signs that your brake fluid might be low. If you need to press your brake pedal further down than normal to brake, notice your brakes feeling “spongy,” or find that it’s taking you longer than usual to come to a stop – your brake fluid level is a good place to start your inspection.

Do you check brake fluid with an engine running?

It’s best to check your brake fluid when the engine is off and the vehicle is cold. This allows the fluid to settle, giving you the most accurate reading.

How do I check brake fluid level?

Find the brake fluid reservoir under your car’s hood. Check if the fluid level is between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks. The fluid should be relatively clear. If it’s dark or there’s a significant drop in the fluid level, it’s a sign to take your car in for a brake service appointment.

Can I just add brake fluid?

While you can add brake fluid to top off the reservoir, it’s essential to exercise caution. Consistently low brake fluid can indicate a leak in the braking system, which requires professional attention to prevent potential brake failure.

Conclusion

Understanding how to check your brake fluid is one of the most important parts of car maintenance, right up there with checking your tire pressure or changing your oil. Regularly checking your brake fluid is a small action that can potentially prevent a major headache. And if you’re unsure about anything, it’s always wise to seek help from a professional.