How Often Do You Need to Change Your Brake Fluid?
Photo by Artem Podrez under Pexels License
Pay Attention to Your Brake Fluid Before Something Goes Wrong!
Your brake fluid plays an important role in keeping you safe while you’re on the road. When it’s low, your brakes won’t work as smoothly as they should, or, worse, they may not work at all. Unfortunately, many drivers don’t pay much attention to their brake fluid — until something goes wrong.
Your brake fluid will eventually become depleted or contaminated after a few years of driving, affecting brake functioning. It’s important to know how often you need to change it to prevent accidents.
How Often Should You Change Your Brake Fluid?
On average, experts recommend changing your brake fluid every two years or 30,000 miles.
However, this usually depends on the following factors: the make and model of your vehicle, driving conditions, and manufacturer’s recommendations. It’s best to check your brake fluid during your regular maintenance schedule.
What Are the Signs That Should Prompt You to Replace Your Brake Fluid?
Unlike oil changes, no exact number of miles or years can indicate when you should change your brake fluid. To help you find out when to do this maintenance task, Breast Cancer Car Donations has compiled the following signs you need to look out for:
1. The ABS dashboard lights up.
When the anti-lock braking system lights up, this indicates that there’s something wrong with your braking system. Consult your trusted mechanic to determine the cause of this. You just might need to replace your brake fluid to address this issue.
2. The brake pedals feel soft.
If you notice that your brake pedals feel bouncy, spongy, or loose, and you need to push harder before your vehicle slows, you may need to change your brake fluid. Air will fill the gaps in your brake line if your fluid is depleted, resulting in brake failure. Spongy or unresponsive brake pedals need to be checked immediately by a professional.
3. You smell something burning.
If you notice a burning smell similar to rubber or metal, your brakes may be overheated. Pull over immediately and let them cool before the condition causes further damage to your wheels and braking system.
4. You hear strange noises.
Strange noises like scraping or grinding while braking is usually caused by low brake fluid.
A Word of Caution Before Changing Your Brake Fluid
Some people try changing their brake fluid themselves by watching YouTube videos and reading DIY blogs. However, brake fluid is a dangerous substance, and it should be handled correctly.
It comes with different ratings and specifications depending on your vehicle. Brake fluid shouldn’t be mixed with other fluids. The old fluid must be drained entirely before adding the new one.
Professionals have the proper gear and training to handle combustible and toxic chemicals, including brake fluid. Be sure to contact a mechanic to change your car’s brake fluid efficiently.
You Can Turn Your Money Pit into a Lifesaver!
If your car has become a money pit, getting rid of it simply makes perfect sense. Consider donating it to us at Breast Cancer Car Donations. We’ll collect your vehicle promptly, at your convenience, and without costing you anything once you notify us of your intent to donate it to us.
Our team will have your vehicle fixed and polished before putting it for auction. We’ll then use the proceeds to support the comprehensive breast health programs of our charity partners. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations use the funding we give them to provide uninsured and underprivileged breast cancer patients with easy access to top cancer centers as well as financial assistance to cover the costs of their treatments, doctor appointments, medications, and other essential healthcare services they need. Our charity partners also provide their other beneficiaries with free breast cancer screening and diagnosis, as well as prevention and education services.
You’ll also greatly benefit from your donation since this will entitle you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season. Expect the 100% tax-deductible sales receipt of your vehicle in your mailbox soon after its sale.
We will also haul your vehicle away for free wherever you had it parked or stored anywhere in the country.
However, the best reward you’ll get is not a material thing. It’s the joy and satisfaction you’ll experience, knowing that your donation will be used to help save lives.
We accept nearly all vehicle types in our donation program, including those that are no longer in good condition.
To get to know the details of our quick and easy donation process and other relevant information, feel free to visit our FAQs page. You can also call us anytime through our 24/7 toll-free hotline at 866-540-5069 or leave us a message here if you have certain concerns or inquiries that you want us to address.
Experience the Joy of Giving Today!
You have nothing to lose and much to gain when you donate your unwanted car to us. Experience the joy and satisfaction that come with helping the needy with your car donation. Call Breast Cancer Car Donations at 866-540-5069 or fill out our secure online donation form now!
Last Updated: March 9th, 2023