How long does brake fluid last?
Brake fluid is essential for a car's brakes to work properly.
So how often should you change your brake fluid?
Dewald Ranft, chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), an association of the Retail Motor Industry (RMI), said this is a common question customers ask their workshop mechanics.
The braking system of the vehicle remains one of the most overlooked systems in the vehicle and can be one of the most critical too.
Ranft explained that brake fluid is essential for a car’s brakes to work properly.
Over time, brake fluid can absorb moisture from the atmosphere which reduces its boiling point and, therefore, effectiveness.
This moisture absorption also compromises the integrity of the brake system components such as the rubber seals and the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
“Brake fluid is a vital part of the brake system so customers are right to be concerned about proper maintenance,” he said.
Most brake fluid manufacturers recommend changing brake fluid every 18 months or 60 000km.
Brake fluids are glycol-based DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5.1.
Ranft said consumers must be careful not to confuse the DOT5.1 brake fluid with DOT 5 brake fluid, which is a silicone based brake fluid that is not compatible with normal road going vehicles.
DOT5.1 has seen an enhancement in the properties of glycol-based DOT 4 brake fluid in order to provide a number of safety improvements such as a higher boiling point.
“This results in better braking under increased loads and speeds.
“It also has improved lubrication properties which is intended to assist the high pressure components of the modern braking systems.
“Although it is more resistant to deterioration over time, regrettably it does not extend the service lifespan beyond the 18 month period,” he said.
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Unhappily brake systems do become contaminated.
In this event it is necessary to completely flush out all of the existing contaminated brake fluid and replace it with new fluid.
Flushing ensures that the brake system will perform at its optimum.
He offers a word of warning, however, saying brake fluid types aren’t easily interchangeable; however this only applies to non-glycol based brake fluids.
Although DOT3, DOT 4 and DOT5.1 can be interchanged, it is not a recommended practice.
“It’s not like the old days where one brake fluid, or one transmission fluid, worked in all makes and models.
“There are so many now that you have to be aware of, and different manufacturers have different recommendations,” said Ranft, who, following the lead of the brake fluid manufacturers, recommends a brake fluid flush and change every 18 months or 60 000 kilometres.
It’s important to note that this is not a do-it-yourself procedure.
The technology in modern brake systems can put you at risk if you fail to follow the flushing and servicing procedure to the letter.
Rather contact your manufacturer or visit your nearest MIWA service centre for further clarification on when to change your brake fluid.
If in doubt, stop at any MIWA workshop, where they can advise if the fluid requires changing he concludes.
“Bad brakes kill.
“Do not leave your braking system to chance.
“Have it professionally checked regularly.
“Given the high cost of brake components, the peace of mind gained through this relatively inexpensive procedure makes it worthwhile,” he said.
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