Did you know there are 6 million car accidents in the United States every year? That's over 16,000 per day. Many of these accidents may be prevented by proper routine maintenance, such as checking brake fluid.
Brake fluid is one of the most important fluids in your vehicle. Without brake fluid, your brakes won't work properly. Basically, the brake fluid is what makes your vehicle's braking system function. The brake fluid flows through the brake lines and supplies the necessary force to stop your wheels from turning when you push the brake pedal.
To stay safe on the road, always make sure that your vehicle has the proper amount of brake fluid. There are a few obvious signs that indicate your car is low on brake fluid.
1. Your Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) light turns on. Although some older cars don't have this feature, most modern vehicles have an ABS light on the dashboard to indicate that your brake fluid needs to be changed.
2. Your brakes feel firmer or softer than usual. Any time your brakes feel different, it can indicate a problem with the brake fluid.
3. Your brakes are making noises. If you hear a weird noise when you brake, it's time to take your car into an auto repair shop to be diagnosed.
4. Braking causes a burning smell. If there's a burning odor or smoking, that probably means your brakes are overheating. Immediately make an appointment with an automotive technician, as this could cause total brake failure and an inevitable car accident.
Remember, regular vehicle maintenance is always cheaper than waiting until a big problem occurs. Many manufacturers suggest changing brake fluid every two years, as it breaks down and runs out over time. And like all parts, the lines that carry brake fluid can eventually wear out and become contaminated with dirt and other particles. Regularly changing your brake fluid will help avoid large issues like rusted brake lines, broken brake calipers, and heavy wear on other brake parts.
If you believe you have low brake fluid, bring your vehicle into our auto repair shop today!