Everyone wants to be safe on the road, and aside from cautious and responsible driving, maintaining your vehicle contributes to roadway safety. As you know, your car's brakes play a vital role in automobile safety. Therefore, it's essential to ensure they are properly cared for. Similar to motor oil, brake fluid needs to be replaced periodically. The following guide takes a closer look at brake fluid and the importance of changing it.

What Does Brake Fluid Do?

Today’s brake systems consist of 3 components on each wheel position.  A rotor, a caliper and brake pads.  The rotor turns with every revolution of the tire/wheel. When the brakes are applied, the caliper squeezes the brake pads against the rotor and slows the vehicle.     

Brake fluid is the hydraulic liquid that transfers the force of your foot on the pedal into pressure that squeezes the caliper and brake pads against the rotor. 

Why Must It Be Changed?

Over time, brake fluid becomes contaminated with dirt, debris and moisture. Believe it or not, moisture (water) in the brake fluid does the most damage.  Brake fluid absorbs moisture, and over time, that can cause a lot of problems.

• Moisture in the brake fluid will cause corrosion and damage to the internal components of the brake system.
• Moisture (water) compresses, brake fluid does not.  Moisture in the brake system can cause a soft brake pedal, increase the foot pressure required to slow or stop the vehicle and extend stopping distances. 
• As the moisture level of the brake fluid increases, the boiling point of the brake fluid decreases. Under hard braking situations, it is possible for the brake fluid to boil, and the brakes fade and/or lose the ability to slow or stop the vehicle.

Changing the brake fluid in your car is recommended by most auto manufacturers every 2 years or 30,000 miles.  If your brake fluid looks dirty, it's a pretty good indication that it is time to change it.  Ask your auto mechanic to check the brake fluid with your next service.

Keep your brakes in top condition with routine brake fluid changes from the ASE^®-certified auto mechanics at Meckfessel Tire & Auto. With convenient locations in Belleville and Smithton, IL, this auto service and repair shop offers brake services along with regular oil changes for drivers throughout St. Clair County and surrounding areas. Visit the website to learn more about this third-generation family-owned business, or call to request an estimate on routine maintenance or auto repairs by dialing (618) 233-0014 for Belleville or (618) 234-0014 for Smithton.