CCNS - Changing the many fluids in a vehicle is always a change for
the better. Dirty engine oil, transmission fluid or anti-freeze are
bad news for a car. But what about brake fluid? Many motorists know
that this fluid should be topped off, but changed?
According to the Car Care Council brake fluid in the typical vehicle
can become contaminated in two years or less. This is because the
fluid absorbs moisture, which works its way through the hydraulic
system. Under heavy braking conditions, such as those encountered
in mountainous or hilly driving or when towing a trailer, moisture
in the overheated fluid vaporizes (boiling point of water is lower
than that of brake fluid) and braking efficiency is reduced.
"Even under normal driving conditions this condition can develop
if the brake fluid is seriously contaminated,” says Rich White,
spokesperson for the Car Care Council. "Not only is the fluid
vulnerable to vaporizing, it also can freeze.
Brake fluid must maintain a stable viscosity throughout its operating
temperature range. If it's too thick or too thin, braking action is
impaired. Beyond the vaporization hazard, moisture creates an additional
problem for owners of vehicles equipped with anti-lock braking (ABS)
systems. Rusted and corroded ABS components are very expensive to
replace.
How does a car owner know when to have fluid changed? The Council
recommends replacement every two years or 24,000 miles. "Certainly
it should be included with brake pad or shoe replacement," White
emphasizes. "In between, as a preventive measure, a professional
brake technician should check the condition of the fluid with an accurate
fluid test safety meter, which is inserted into the master cylinder
reservoir to record the fluid's boiling point."
The Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car
Care Aware" campaign, educating consumers about the benefits of
regular vehicle maintenance and repair. For more information visit www.carcare.org.
