How to Check Brake Fluid

Brake fluid lubricates the various components of your braking system to ensure safe, smooth performance and protect the parts from corrosion. By checking your brake fluid regularly, you are not only helping your brakes work properly, but you are also keeping tabs on the condition of the overall system. This helps you, your passengers, and fellow motorists stay safer on the roads of South Phoenix, Glendale, and beyond. In this guide, our service team at Bill Luke Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram discusses how to check the brake fluid.

How to Check Brake Fluid in 3 Easy Steps

Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to get a good idea of your brake fluid levels. Here’s how to check brake fluid in three quick steps:

1. Find the brake fluid reservoir. This is usually located under the hood on the master cylinder. Your owner’s manual will tell you the exact location if you’re not sure where to look.
2. Consult the minimum and maximum lines. The outside of the brake fluid reservoir has minimum and maximum fill lines. Check these lines, and if the fluid is closer to the minimum end, plan to change your brake fluid.
3. Look at the color of the brake fluid. Fluid that’s turned dark brown or black and taken on a more oil-like appearance is likely contaminated and should be flushed and replaced as soon as possible.

If you’re going to change the fluid yourself, you’ll need to first determine what type of brake fluid your vehicle requires. This information can also be found in the owner’s manual. Most vehicles utilize glycol-ether-based fluid, but some need silicone-based (DOT-5) or mineral oil-based (LHM) fluid.

What Color is Brake Fluid?

So, what color is brake fluid? Normally, new brake fluid is mostly clear with a slightly yellowish hue. As it lubricates your braking system, the fluid will naturally pick up some contaminants and change color over time. As we mentioned earlier, if it’s gotten so contaminated that it’s dark brown or black in color, a brake fluid flush should be a priority.

How Often Should I Check My Brake Fluid?

In general, aim to have your brake fluid checked every time you have your oil changed. At the least, be sure to check it once a year. Brake fluid has a long life, typically about four to five years, but certain vehicles, driving habits, and Laveen road conditions can be harder on your brake fluid and cause it to break down faster. Contact our team for specific brake fluid service interval recommendations.

Schedule Brake Service at Bill Luke Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram

As you can see from the above tutorial on how to check brake fluid, this task should be a regular part of your car care routine. At Bill Luke Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, our Phoenix service center is here for all your maintenance and repair needs. Schedule a brake fluid check or change today by using our online scheduling tool. For more information or answers to your questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to helping you keep your vehicle in pristine condition so it can continue to serve you well for years to come