How to Check Brake Fluid

 
Your vehicle’s brakes are crucial for overall safety on Guaynabo roads. One way to ensure they continue to function properly is to evaluate brake fluid levels and add more as needed. Curious about how to check brake fluid yourself? This is a maintenance task that you can quickly and easily take care of at home. Discover all you need to know about Lexus brake fluid with the Lexus de San Juan service center.

What is Brake Fluid?

As we mentioned, Lexus brake fluid is an essential component to keeping your brakes operating smoothly. Here are a few facts about brake fluid:

• It is a hydraulic fluid that helps with brake pedal movement and overall brake system lubrication.
• Brake fluid prevents corrosion.
• Most vehicles require a brake fluid that is glycol-ether based, but there are also silicone-based (DOT-5) and mineral oil-based (LHM) fluids available. Consult your owner’s manual for information on the type of Lexus brake fluid your vehicle uses.

Here’s How to Check the Brake Fluid Level

1. First and foremost, determine where the brake fluid reservoir is located on the master cylinder under the hood. Your owner’s manual can point you in the right direction.
2. The exterior of the brake fluid reservoir has minimum and maximum lines. These will serve as your basis for checking the brake fluid level. If you notice that the brake fluid is near or below the minimum line, your vehicle may require a brake fluid replacement or brake service.
3. In addition to the process of how to check brake fluid levels, you also want to pay attention to color. If it’s dark brown or black and appears more like oil, then it’s time for a brake fluid flush. What color is brake fluid normally? It should be almost clear, with a yellowish tint to it.

Purpose of Brake Fluid Replacement

Why is it necessary to replace brake fluid? Brake fluid replacement doesn’t need to happen as frequently as oil changes, but it certainly is important. This is why:

• Brake fluid attracts moisture, and moisture can cause corrosion within the brake system over time.
• With age, brake fluid becomes contaminated with small particles, which damage brake components.
• The anti-lock braking system and traction control generate heat when they’re in use, which can shorten the lifespan of brake fluid.

Brake Fluid Service Intervals

Brake fluid generally lasts for four to five years. Of course, this depends on your car, your driving habits around Bayamon, and road conditions. Make sure to check your brake fluid regularly–at least once a year. Alternatively, you can trust the certified technicians at Lexus de San Juan to check and change your brake fluid as needed.

Schedule Brake Service in San Juan

Is it time for a Lexus brake fluid replacement? Do you need other brake work done? Get in touch with the experts at Lexus de San Juan to make an appointment. Our service center near Caguas is here to help with repairs and routine maintenance. And don’t forget that all new Lexus models purchased at our dealership are covered by a 4-year/50,000-mile included maintenance plan, as well as our Triangle Relax Credit Protection program.