Brake Fluid Exchange Service

Brake Service

In order for your vehicle’s brakes to work correctly, brake fluid is needed. It’s the brake fluid that makes the brake pads press against the rotors whenever you press the brake pedal to stop or slow down your car. But as time goes on moisture, air and sludge are absorbed into the brake fluid and contaminate it. When there’s air in the brake fluid it causes the braking to feel spongy, hugely reducing its efficiency. When we flush a brake system we remove all of the existing fluid and moisture, and put clean, new fluid in. A brake fluid exchange or flush makes sure that your brake system is performing well and it also makes the components of your brake system last longer.

The way a mobile mechanic will remove the fluid is by using a handheld vacuum pump and atmospheric pressure. This does not have the power of a pressure bleeder, but it is industry approved and can get the job done. Bleeding your brakes by having a mechanic come to you offers additional convenience as well.

These are the steps used in brake fluid exchange or flushing:

First the contaminated brake fluid has to be removed
Then the new brake fluid must be added
Brakes have to be bled
Any brake fluid that has spilled in the bleeding process has to be cleaned from surfaces
A test for fluid leaks should then occur
Inspection of hoses, rotors and brake pads should then follow
You can then test drive the car

It is a good idea to follow the maintenance schedule recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Either every 36 months or every 24,000 miles is the general rule for when changing brake fluid should happen. Make sure to use a brake fluid that your car manufacturer recommends, in other words if your automobile requires regular brake fluid don’t use silicone-based brake fluids on it.

Other ways you can tell that your brake system needs to be flushed is if the performance of your brake system is diminished, if the brake pedal feels spongy, or if the brake fluid looks brown or black which is a sign of contamination.