Today, we’re going to dive headfirst into a vital, yet often overlooked, part of car maintenance. We’re going to discuss everything you need to know about low brake fluid.
From signs and symptoms, causes, how to check your brake fluid levels, how to refill your fluid, and what happens if you don’t refill your brake fluid when it gets low – we cover it all! So buckle up, it’s going to be an educational ride!
Brake Fluid: What It Is, What It Does, And How It Works
Brake fluid is an essential part of your car’s braking system. It’s a type of hydraulic fluid, and it has a super important job – transferring the force of your foot on the brake pedal to the car’s brake pads, which then work their magic to slow down or stop your car.
Imagine you’re driving, and you see a squirrel dart across the road. Of course, you slam your foot on the brake pedal instinctively. That force you applied? It’s has to go somewhere, right? And that’s where brake fluid comes in.
When you hit the brake pedal, it pushes a piston into the master cylinder, which is filled with – you guessed it – brake fluid. This sends a wave of pressure through the brake fluid in the brake lines. This pressure then reaches the brake calipers, which hold the brake pads.
The pressure causes the calipers to squeeze the brake pads against the brake rotors, creating friction. And voila! Your car slows down, and our squirrel friend lives to see another day.
But brake fluid isn’t just about stopping power. It also keeps the components of the brake system lubricated, and it prevents corrosion. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of your car’s brake system!
So, the takeaway? Brake fluid is a key player in your car’s safety. It’s the vital link between your foot on the brake pedal and your car slowing down or stopping. It is therefore critically important for you to check your brake fluid regularly and top it up when needed.
6 Signs & Symptoms Of Low Brake Fluid
Now, in order to know when to refill our brake fluid, we need to be on the lookout for common signs of low brake fluid. Let’s take look at some of these symptoms below.
1. Warning Light on Your Dashboard
First things first, the most obvious sign. Many modern cars have a handy little light on the dashboard that screams at you when your brake fluid is low. It’s usually an exclamation mark inside a circle and parentheses, kinda like this (!). If that light’s on, it’s time to check your brake fluid, pronto!
2. Brake Pedal Feels ‘Squishy’
Ever pressed your brake pedal and it felt like you were stepping on a marshmallow? That’s what we call a ‘squishy’ or soft brake pedal. It’s a classic sign of low brake fluid. You see, brake fluid can’t be compressed, so when there’s not enough of it, your brake pedal might feel less firm than usual.
3. Longer Stopping Distance
You know your car. You know how long it usually takes to stop. So, if you’re noticing it’s taking a tad longer to stop than usual, that could be a sign of low brake fluid. It’s not always easy to notice, so keep those senses sharp!
4. Brake Pedal Falls to the Floor
If your brake pedal falls to the floor and stays there when you press it, that’s definitely not normal! This could mean you have very low or maybe even no brake fluid. If you notice this, get your car checked out immediately. Like, yesterday.
5. Car Pulls to One Side When Braking
When you brake, your car should stay straight. If it’s pulling to one side when you brake, it could mean one brake circuit has less fluid than the other. Again, it’s not always easy to notice, but it’s something to keep an eye on.
6. Leaking Fluid
Lastly, if you notice a puddle under your car, it might be leaking brake fluid. It’s usually light yellow, and it feels oily. Don’t ignore this one. A leak could mean your brake fluid is running low fast.
6 Common Causes Of Low Brake Fluid
So, you notice that your car does indeed have low brake fluid. But, how did this happen? What are the common causes of low brake fluid? Let’s discuss.
1. Brake Pad Wear
Surprising as it may sound, your brake pads and your brake fluid are BFFs. As your brake pads wear down, your brake fluid level goes down too. Here’s why: Your brake system compensates for the worn-down pads by moving more fluid into the system to keep the brake function steady. So, if your brake fluid is low, maybe it’s time to check those pads too.
2. Brake Line Leak
A leak in your brake line is like a hole in a water bucket – not good news. Brake fluid leaks are often found near the wheels or directly under the master cylinder. If you see a small puddle of oily fluid under your car, that’s a sign. Time to call in the cavalry (aka your trusty mechanic).
3. Master Cylinder Leak
Speaking of the master cylinder, if it has a leak, that’s another potential cause of low brake fluid. If the leak is internal, it might be trickier to spot, but if your brake fluid is mysteriously disappearing, this is a sign of a bad master cylinder.
4. Caliper Leak
Brake calipers, those clamping chaps that squeeze your brake pads onto the rotors, can also spring a leak. Leaky calipers are more common in older cars, but they can happen to any vehicle. If you’ve got a leaky caliper, it’s not just your brake fluid that’s going bye-bye; you should check to see if you have symptoms of a bad brake rotor, too.
5. Aging Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is a bit like a sponge—it absorbs and soaks up water over time. This water can make the fluid evaporate at a faster rate, particularly in high heat conditions. If your brake fluid is old and hasn’t been changed in a while, it might be evaporating, causing low levels.
6. Neglecting Brake Fluid Checks
Last but definitely not least, not checking your brake fluid regularly can lead to low levels. It’s easy to overlook, especially when you’re busy keeping an eye on your engine oil and coolant. But your brake fluid needs love, too!
How To Check If You Have Low Brake Fluid
Now, if you suspect you have low brake fluid, how do you go about checking your brake fluid levels? Well, checking your brake fluid isn’t rocket science. All it requires is a little time, some attention to detail, and maybe a touch of elbow grease.
1. Locate the Reservoir
First things first, we need to find the brake fluid reservoir. This is usually located under the hood, towards the back of the engine bay, right in front of the driver’s seat. A quick Google search for your car model might help if you’re feeling a bit like a deer in headlights. Look for a small plastic container – that’s your target.
2. Check the Fluid Level
Once you’ve found the reservoir, the next step is to check the fluid level. On most cars, the reservoir is semi-transparent, so you can usually see the fluid level without even popping the lid. It’s a simple eyeball test—there should be a “MIN” and a “MAX” line on the outside. If the fluid is near or below the MIN line, you’ve got a situation on your hands. You’re running low on brake fluid, and you should refill it pronto.
3. Check the Fluid Color
But hold up, before you rush off, there’s more to consider. It’s not just about how much brake fluid is in there, but also what it looks like. So while you’re there, take a gander at the fluid color. New brake fluid is usually clear or amber. If it’s dark brown or black, it’s past its prime and needs to be changed.
How To Refill Your Car’s Low Brake Fluid
Now that you’ve determined that you’re brake fluid is low, it’s time to refill it.
Before we dive in, though, let me just say, safety first, always. You’re going to need gloves and safety glasses for this operation. Brake fluid is corrosive and can be a nasty beast if it gets on your skin or in your eyes.
First off, you’ll need to buy the right brake fluid for your vehicle. Check your owner’s manual or do a quick online search for your car model. It’s super important to get this right—mixing different types of brake fluid can be bad news for your car’s braking system. It’s kind of like feeding a cat dog food. Not ideal, right?
Once you’ve got the right fluid, pop open the hood and find the brake fluid reservoir. It’s usually on the driver’s side, mounted on the master cylinder. Remember our chat about checking the brake fluid level? Yeah, we’re back at the same spot.
Now, this is where those gloves and glasses come in handy. Brake fluid is corrosive, and it doesn’t play nice with paint or skin. Unscrew the cap of the reservoir, and set it aside carefully. Don’t let any dirt or debris fall in—that’s a big no-no.
With the cap off, it’s time to add the brake fluid. But hold on! Don’t go pouring it in like you’re refilling your water bottle after a gym sesh. You need to be slow and steady here. Use a funnel to avoid any spillage, and pour the fluid until it reaches the MAX line on the reservoir.
Remember, it’s crucial not to overfill the reservoir. If you do, the excess could spill out when the brake fluid expands as it heats up. And that’s a messy problem you don’t want to deal with.
Once you’ve filled the reservoir to the correct level, screw the cap back on. Make sure it’s tight, but don’t Hulk out on it.
And voila! You’ve successfully refilled your brake fluid. But, before you take off on a victory lap, pump the brake pedal a few times. This helps to distribute the fluid. If the pedal feels spongy or goes to the floor, there might be air in the brake lines or another problem. In that case, it’s best to take your car to a professional.
What Happens When You Don’t Refill Your Brake Fluid When It Gets Low?
So, you’ve learned how to check your brake fluid and refill it when it’s low, but what happens if you just shrug it off and don’t refill it? Spoiler alert—it ain’t pretty.
If you’re running low on brake fluid, you may first notice that your brake pedal feels a bit squishy or spongy. But let’s say you ignore that squishy pedal and keep driving with low brake fluid. What’s next?
Well, your brake warning light might come on, begging for attention. This light is like the annoying cousin of the check engine light — it’s easy to ignore, but doing so could land you in hot water.
If you continue to ignore these signs and your brake fluid gets even lower, the worst-case scenario can unfold—brake failure. And let’s be real, it’s a disaster you absolutely want to avoid.
Picture this: you’re driving down a steep hill, you hit the brakes, and…nothing. The car doesn’t slow down. It’s the stuff of nightmares, right?
What’s more, driving with low brake fluid can also cause damage to your car. The master cylinder, which relies on brake fluid to create hydraulic pressure, can be seriously harmed if it runs dry. And a replacement is not cheap—it’s a costly repair that could easily have been avoided by simply topping off your brake fluid.
So, if you’re cruising around with low brake fluid, the consequences can range from inconvenient and expensive to downright dangerous. Driving around and pushing your brake fluid limits is akin to having a go at a game of chance – think Russian roulette. I’m sure that’s one high-stakes game you want to avoid!
Conclusion
You may have thought that low brake fluid was no big deal at all. But let me tell you, it can snowball into a beast of a problem faster than you can say “car trouble.”
Your brake system is like your car’s personal bodyguard. So, when your brake fluid starts running low, it’s no laughing matter.
Whether you’re a DIY type like me or you prefer to leave it to the professionals, just make sure you take care of it. And remember, it’s better to prevent the problem in the first place. Make it a habit to check on your brake fluid level and keep a sharp eye for any sneaky leaks – it’s always safety first!