Bad Impact if You Don’t Change Car Brake Oil, Gnewscar.com Brake fluid is one of the most important components to ensure vehicle safety. Even so, surely many of you are wondering, “Why do you have to change car brake fluid regularly?”. The reason has to do with braking performance, here is the full explanation!
Bad Impact if You Don’t Change Car Brake Fluid for a Long Time
It is recommended to replace the car brakes every 2 years or depending on the braking pattern. For example, if you are used to driving on the highway and rarely apply the brakes, then you can change the brakes every 2 years.
But if you often drive on more congested roads, you may have to change the brake fluid sooner than that.
The year, make, and model of the vehicle can also affect when it’s time to change your car’s brake fluid. You can check the vehicle manual for more details.
Problems that arise If You Don’t Change the Brake Fluid
- The heat arising from the braking process can damage the brake fluid
- Over time, the various series of hoses in the braking system will release dirt, small rubber particles, or even iron particles if they rust. All of these can contaminate brake fluid and make it unable to function properly
- Moisture caused by the braking process can make the car brakes rust and the boiling point of brake fluid decreases
All of these problems if left unchecked will reduce braking performance and even result in brake failure or failure to function. Usually you will be able to feel when the brake fluid is about to be replaced.
For example, because the brake pedal feels different when you step on it or because the car feels longer and is difficult to stop.
When changing brake fluid, also make sure you use the type of brake that matches your car’s specifications. Avoid mixing different types of brake fluid or changing them without the direction of a qualified technician.
This can make the quality of the brake fluid decrease, or even your car’s braking system is damaged.
Replacing brake fluid requires extra expertise and care, so it should be done by an experienced and experienced mechanic so that the process is faster and more effective.
See Also: Did You Know Car Brake Fluid Should Be Regularly Replaced
Use the Best Brake Fluid
When changing car brakes, the mechanic will usually drain the old brake fluid, clean the braking system from dirt until it is clean, and check for rust on the braking components.
If you are late in changing the brakes, your car’s braking components may no longer be able to be cleaned of rust and must be replaced.
The final process is to introduce new brake fluid into your braking system. This new brake fluid will improve the braking performance of your car and protect your car from any dangerous braking problems.
To determine the type of brake fluid, when to change car brake fluid, and other car component problems, you should consult with your car’s authorized dealer.
See Also: What Can Be Used As a Substitute For Power Steering Fluid?
Determining DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5 . Brake Fluid
Have you ever observed that on every package of brake fluid or brake fluid there will be a code that says DOT? This code can be divided into DOT 4, DOT 5, and DOT 3 brake fluid. All these codes have their respective meanings, here is a more complete explanation!
DOT 4, DOT 5, and DOT 3 . brake fluid
DOT itself is an abbreviation of the Department of Transportation or the Department of Transportation. The department referred to here is the Department of Transportation in the United States as the standard provider.
Every number written behind the DOT code can be interpreted as a boiling point. Previously, it should be underlined that the term brake fluid which is widely used in the community is actually inaccurate, especially for DOT 3 and DOT 4 which are more accurately called brake fluid.
This is because brake fluid or brake fluid DOT 3 and DOT 4 have properties that can absorb and mix with water, unlike ordinary oils. The following is an explanation of each brake fluid that you need to know!
1. Dot 3 Brake fluid
DOT 3 coded brake fluid has a boiling point of 205oC and is based on glycol ether. Due to its high boiling point, DOT 3 brake fluid is able to provide safe and consistent performance when braking pressure is high.
Protection against corrosion is also good so it is safe for the braking system. DOT 3 brake fluid can be used for heavy vehicles, motorcycles, and 4WD passenger vehicles.
2. DOT 4 Brake fluid
With the same ingredients as DOT 3 brake fluid, DOT 4 brake fluid has a slightly higher boiling point, which is 230oC. Even so, after absorbing water the boiling point can drop faster than DOT 3 brake fluid. You are advised to use this brake fluid only if the car manufacturer says so.
3. DOT 5 Brake fluid
The latter type of brake fluid is made of silicone and has the highest boiling point, which is 260o C. DOT 5 brake fluid is ideal for types of cars with the newest small and thin brake rotors. This brake fluid does not absorb moisture and does not damage the paint surface. In addition, DOT 5 brake fluid is also much more stable in extreme temperatures.
DOT 4 & 3 brake fluid is the most commonly used for cars and brakes. In addition to being cheap, these two types of brake fluid are also a safe standard choice for drivers who tend not to brake excessively.
The presence of brake fluid is very important to be able to keep the braking system working properly. The type of oil used should be adjusted to the type of braking system you are using. The car manufacturer will usually recommend which type of brake fluid should be used.
