How to Check Brake Fluid
Your vehicle’s brakes help you slow to a stop at a traffic light and avoid obstacles on the roads of Panama City, Springfield, and Callaway. And, as an important part of what helps them work properly, it’s essential that your brakes are equipped with plenty of clean fluid.
Fortunately, keeping an eye on the brake fluid inside your vehicle is as simple as performing a few basic steps. To help you along this process, we’re here with this guide for How to Check Brake Fluid, created by Honda of Bay County.
Thanks to the tips found in this manual, you’ll know when it’s time to visit your local service center for some brake maintenance.
Checking Brake Fluid Steps
Ready to check your brake fluid? Well, part of the benefit of performing this inspection yourself is that it only takes a few minutes to complete. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the steps!
1. Find Your Brake Fluid Reservoir
Before you pop the hood, make sure that your vehicle has had some time to cool off. By doing so, you’ll avoid burning yourself on any hot parts around the engine.
To start off this procedure, you want to find the brake fluid reservoir located underneath the hood of your automobile.
If you don’t already know where to find the reservoir, all you have to do is check your Owner’s Manual. There, you’ll find a guide to the parts inside your car, so that you can more easily identify the brake fluid reservoir.
Tip: Don’t forget to protect your eyes and hands while checking your brake fluids! Don a pair of goggles and some gloves to keep your vision and skin safe.
2. Check the Fluid Levels
Now that you’ve located the brake fluid reservoir, take a look at the container itself. For the most part, the reservoir will be transparent and feature lines that are marked as “Min” and “Max,” or something similar. These lines indicate the minimum and maximum levels of brake fluid that should be inside the reservoir.
If the fluids are nearing the minimum line, consider scheduling a brake fluid replacement appointment. That way, you’ll drive knowing that your automobile is equipped with the liquids required to keep the braking system functioning properly.
Tip: As an added bonus of regularly checking your brake fluid, low fluid in the reservoir is a good indicator for how your brake pads are holding up. Once the fluids have dropped, it’s likely time for you to also get a brake pad replacement.
3. Analyze the Color and Clarity
After you’ve checked the fluid level inside the reservoir, take a moment to examine the liquid’s color. If the fluid is dark or muddy in appearance, your vehicle needs a brake line flush.
Over time, the liquids inside your brake lines build up dirt and grime from the road, which can cause erosion and make your brakes less effective.
Tip: Looking to extend the life of your brakes? Well, routinely replacing your brake fluid is a surefire way to keep the braking system healthy. Not only do these fluids keep everything lubricated, but frequent fluid changes can prevent excess build-up from dirt.
Schedule Your Brake Fluid Replacement Today!
At Honda of Bay County, we believe that the best way to ensure a safe drive along the roads of Panama City, Springfield, and Callaway is to keep every part of your automobile in top-notch shape.
So, if you’re wondering how to check your brake fluid or need some assistance, look to our service professionals and state-of-the-art repair shop for help.
By choosing our knowledgeable automotive professionals, you’ll be driving happily inside an automobile that’s armed with a fully functional braking system. Simply give us a call, stop by our service facility, or schedule your appointment today!