If you think it is an easy task to own a car, let me make it clear- it is not! You will have to pay regular attention to your car to keep it functional. Apart from the car’s on-road price, you have to invest a lot more in its servicing and care for a lifetime. Apart from cleaning and polishing the car, one of the most essential components of the car is its brake pad. You do not understand the value of checking the brakes regularly unless it’s function deteriorate. The first noticeable sign is when the car takes more time to stop than it takes normally.
The break failure of vehicles is usually considered as the 5 leading causes of systemic failure in a car that results in a car crash. The brake fluids are essential components of the brake system of the car. By not paying enough attention to it, one can endanger his/her life along with your loved ones. Like your digestive system requires fluids to provide hydration to your body; similarly, the brake system needs brake fluid to make the process smoother. When you push the brake pad, the fluids are pushed down to the brake lines to make it work efficiently.
If you are noticing changes in your car’s brake response recently, here are the points that will help you to know the need of changing brake fluid:
Applying more pressure on brake pads
It is the most obvious indication that a layman can perceive. Not having a mechanical background and figuring out the car problem can be quite tough. But, don’t worry; there are always ways to figure it out. If you have recently encountered pushing the brake pads of the car with more pressure, it could indicate brake fluid problems. Now, here you can suspect two kinds of problems- either the brake fluid is reduced or it is contaminated enough to not function adequately. Driving in a highway with low-level brake fluids can give rise to uninvited miserable circumstances. Therefore, it is essential to keep a check at the fluid level regularly. Whenever you suspect more firm brake pads, do visit an auto repair shop.
Strange squealing noises
Strange squealing or choking noises can result from an inadequate level of brake fluids. However, the low brake fluid is not the exclusive cause behind these noises. One can also experience such noises due to predicaments within the engine or wheels. If you hear a squealing, choking, or grinding noise along with difficulty in pressing brake pads; you should reconsider changing the brake fluid. Have you heard about the synovial fluid that surrounds your bony joints? Your joints move without friction due to the presence of these fluids. Similarly, the brake fluids provide lubrication of the brake lines of the car to function without rubbing against each other. When the low level is detected, the brake system experiences more friction resulting in these kinds of strange noises.
Pay attention to ABS lights
Many people have asked this question- what to do if my car’s abs light stays on? Substantially, all new models of cars have ABS. Let us look at the mechanism of action of brake fluids and see how it affects the ABS. When you press the brake pads, the ABS sends the signal to the sensors present in the wheels to stop. The facilitation of this action is done due to the presence of brake fluids. It can be due to the evaporation of the brake fluids that results in their low levels. To prevent it from evaporating, you must know the accurate kind of brake fluid that your car demands. Usually, there are 2 sorts of fluids- DOT3 and DOT4. You can use DOT4 if your car heats up more quickly. This information usually comes with the car guide manual. Make sure to check it out!
Increase in response period
When the oiling is not proper due to a shortage of brake liquid, the brakes will not function efficiently and take a longer time to respond. It happens because it takes more time to send the signal from the pads to the brake lines and wheels. Make sure to visit the nearby auto store to get the car’s brake fluid levels checked.
An unpleasant burning smell
It can occur to due a blockage in the brake fluid line. It shows a direct effect on the wheels as the fluid is not able to reach the desired area. To check this, you will have to remove the wheels and the calipers. The smell is due to the rubbing of parts against each other due to an increase in friction. The worn-out calipers can also be the cause behind it. Visit the mechanic shop to treat this problem.
These were the top 5 essential points on when to change your car’s brake fluid. Thank-you!