How Important Is It to Change Brake Fluid?
Do you ever hear a squealing song when you hit the brakes in your BMW? Is your car not stopping as quickly as it used to? BMWs are precision-engineered vehicles, but if their brakes fail, they become a danger on the road and a potential source of tens of thousands of dollars in repair costs.
If you own a BMW in Arizona and want to enjoy driving your car safely, put your trust in Tucson’s trusted BMW service by Little Germany Inc.
How important is it to change brake fluid? Let’s talk about it.
What Is Brake Fluid?
Brake fluid is a type of glycol, most commonly glycol ether. Glycol ether is a viscous liquid that transfers pressure within the hydraulic brake system. It fills the brake fluid reservoir and connects to the master cylinder.
The Role of Brake Fluid
When a driver pushes down on the brake pedal, the pressure moves the brake fluid through the brake lines until it applies pressure to the brake calipers. The brake calipers apply pressure to the brake pads against the rotors, which attach to the wheels.
The force on the brakes produces friction that slows the rotation of the wheels, bringing the vehicle to a stop. Brake fluid does not compress much under pressure, meaning that it has to push something out of the way when you press on it.
The Dangers of Old Brake Fluid
Brake fluid can pick up water and contaminants from the air or corrosion within the hydraulic system. If brake fluid becomes dilute, it will no longer transmit energy as effectively to the brakes. The driver would have no other choice but to stop the car without the hydraulic brake system.
How important is it to change brake fluid? Consider what happens when brakes fail.
If your brakes fail suddenly while on the road, shift into a lower gear and apply the parking brake. Put on your hazard lights to warn other drivers and find a place where you can pull to the side of the road.
The best way to avoid having to perform such a risky maneuver is to keep your brakes in good condition and change the brake fluid frequently.
How Often Should You Replace Brake Fluid?
Different parts of the brake system have varying lifespans. The master cylinder, for instance, can last for well over 100,000 miles, while the brake pads and brake rotors might need more frequent replacement. Responsible BMW owners should understand how to maintain the brake system so that they can reap the full benefit of BMW’s exquisite engineering.
Experts advise motorists to change the brake fluid every two years.
Specialized Brake Repair and Replacement for Euro Cars by Little Germany Inc.
Owners of European cars, particularly BMW owners in the Tucson, AZ, area know they can count on us for professional advice and quality servicing. Learn whether or not Euro cars are better than American cars. Have your BMW questions, such as, “How important is it to change brake fluid?” answered by calling 520-881-3273 today.
