What is Brake Fluid?
Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that is used to transfer force into the hydraulic brake system and the power steering system. It is essential for the proper functioning of your braking system.
Why is My Brake Fluid Low?
There are several reasons why your brake fluid may be low:
Leaks
- The brake system could be leaking from the master cylinder, calipers, drum assemblies, or brake lines.
- If the rubber seals of the master cylinder, calipers, and drum assemblies become dry or brittle, they can start to leak.
- If the brake lines become corroded or affected by road salt, they can also start to leak and cause the fluid to deplete.
Air Leaks
- Air in the brake lines will reduce the effectiveness of the brakes and cause the brake fluid level to drop.
- When replacing any of the components in the braking system, air can get into the lines.
Worn Brake Pads
- Worn brake pads can cause the fluid level to drop due to fluid being displaced from the lines.
- Regular brake pad inspections should be done to ensure that the pads are in good condition.
Brake Fluid Deterioration
- Over time brake fluid can deteriorate due to moisture in the atmosphere and cause it to become contaminated.
- When this happens, the brake fluid will need to be replaced and the system bled to get rid of the contamination.
Conclusion
Brake fluid is essential for the proper functioning of your braking system. Understanding why your brake fluid may be low is important so that you can properly maintain your system. While leaks and air leaks can cause the fluid level to drop, worn brake pads and brake fluid deterioration can also play a role. Regular inspections and maintenance are necessary in order to keep your brakes functioning properly.
2. What are the most common causes of low brake fluid?
The most common causes of low brake fluid are leaking brakes, excessive wear of brake pads/shoes, improper installation of pads/shoes, lack of maintenance and servicing, and air bubbles in the brake fluid.
1. What are the signs of low brake fluid?
WARNING SIGNS:
1. Soft Pedal – If your pedal is suddenly “softer” than normal, this indicates your brakes aren’t functioning correctly due to low brake fluid.
2. Spongy Brake Pedal Feel – If the brake pedal starts to feel spongy under your foot or noticeably moves further than normal, there is not enough brake fluid in the master cylinder and brake lines.
3. Pedal Vibrations – If you press down on the brakes and feel the pedal vibrating or pulsating, this could be due to low brake fluid levels.
4. Dashboard Light –Modern cars are equipped with a warning light that may illuminate if the brake fluid is low or there is a problem with the braking system.
5. Loud Squealing or Grinding– If the brake pads have worn out and the metal components are grinding against each other, this can create a loud noise when stopping.
5. How do I safely replenish my vehicle’s brake fluid?
To safely replenish your vehicle’s brake fluid, first you must identify the type of brake fluid required. There are many different types of brake fluid, so you should refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine which one your vehicle requires. Next, you need to check the brake fluid level to determine how much fluid you need to add. If the brake fluid level is low, use a funnel to add the specified amount of brake fluid to the reservoir. It’s also important to make sure that you do not overfill the brake fluid reservoir. Lastly, if your vehicle’s brake fluid is contaminated or has been sitting for a long time, it’s best to replace it with a fresh batch of brake fluid.