Brake fluid is the lifeblood of your braking system. It transfers the force from your foot on the pedal into pressure that engages the brake pads and stops the wheels. But like any other fluid in your vehicle, brake fluid doesn’t last forever. Over time, it degrades, absorbs moisture, and becomes contaminated, making regular flushes a necessary part of preventative maintenance.
Here’s what to know about brake fluid flushes are why they’re so important to the health and safety of your vehicle.
Prevents Moisture Build-Up
One of the key properties of brake fluid is that it’s hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water from the air over time. Even in a sealed system, moisture can enter through rubber brake lines and small system openings. This is a slow but steady process, and once moisture is in the system, it starts to dilute the fluid and lower its boiling point.
When brake fluid heats up during hard or repeated braking, especially in stop-and-go traffic or on steep hills, it needs to maintain consistent hydraulic pressure. If moisture has lowered the fluid’s boiling point, it can start to vaporize under high temperatures. That vapor creates air pockets, and air in your brake lines means a spongy brake pedal, or even a loss of braking power when you need it most.
Prevents Contamination
Old brake fluid doesn’t just absorb moisture, it also collects debris, rust particles, rubber shavings from deteriorating seals, and other contaminants. These impurities circulate through your master cylinder, calipers, and brake lines. Over time, they can cause corrosion, clog small passages, and reduce the overall efficiency of the braking system.
Contaminated fluid can cause seals to swell or deteriorate, leading to leaks or brake component failures. Regular flushing clears out these contaminants before they can do lasting damage to your cooling system.
Better Pedal Feel and Braking Performance
If your brake pedal feels squishy and unresponsive, it’s often a sign that the fluid needs to be replaced. Fresh brake fluid helps restore firm pedal feel and consistent braking performance. In high-demand situations, like towing, driving up steep hills, or frequent city traffic, having a responsive brake pedal is not just a matter of comfort but also safety.
Even if your brakes aren’t making noise or triggering warning lights, changes in pedal pressure can be an early indicator that your fluid isn’t performing as it should.
Extends the Life of Brake Components
Brake calipers, master cylinders, ABS modules, and other hydraulic parts are expensive to replace. Contaminated or old fluid can shorten their lifespan significantly. Routine fluid flushes help protect these parts from internal corrosion and buildup, extending their service life and saving you money in the long run.
Skipping fluid service may save you a few bucks today, but it can lead to much higher repair costs down the road.
Keeps ABS Operating Properly
Modern vehicles are equipped with anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and often electronic stability control (ESC). These systems rely on precise hydraulic pressure. Dirty or degraded fluid can interfere with that precision, causing system malfunctions or warning lights.
ABS components are particularly sensitive to contamination, and a brake fluid flush is one of the best ways to keep them functioning properly. If your ABS light is on, one of the first things a technician might check is the condition of your brake fluid.
When Should You Get a Brake Fluid Flush?
Unlike oil changes, brake fluid intervals vary depending on the vehicle, driving conditions, and manufacturer recommendations. A good general rule is to flush the fluid every two to three years or around 30,000 miles, but some automakers recommend it even sooner.
If your fluid appears dark brown or black, that’s a clear visual sign that it’s time for a flush. Fresh brake fluid is typically clear with a slight amber tint. Once it darkens, it’s likely contaminated and less effective.
A Small Service That Makes a Big Difference
Brake fluid flushes may not be the most glamorous maintenance task, but they’re one of the most important for keeping your Subaru vehicle safe. Just like you wouldn’t drive with worn-out brake pads, you shouldn’t rely on old or contaminated fluid to stop your car.
If you’re in need of a brake fluid flush, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Super Rupair in Boulder, CO. Our technicians have extensive experience in providing high-quality brake system services on a wide range of makes and models. Give us a call or schedule online with our friendly team today!