It is common like much other auto maintenance that things like brake fluid do not get the attention that it truly requires. Braking is foremost our most important defense in accident prevention and yet brake failure still claims thousands of lives each and every year.

For every ten thousand or so miles driven an average driver will have applied their brakes at least seventy thousand times! That being said, since one of our biggest fears is failing to stop than it begins to make perfect sense to ensure they are working in proper order. Brake fluid changing unfortunately is one of thee most common neglected maintenances done on vehicles, again even though it is the thing we rely on the most.

Most mechanics and auto manufactures will recommend yearly brake fluid changing or at least once every two years as preventative maintenance. Brake fluid is a glycol-based liquid that starts to absorb moisture from the minute it is removed from the bottle and introduced to your braking system. Glycol is like a magnet sucking up moisture through microscopic pores found in the rubber hoses that delivers fluid to the braking system. The real scary part is that after one year your brake fluid can contain as much as two percent water, and this increases as time moves forward, and it even increases a bit more each year. In several accident investigation reports where brake failure was determined to be the main cause the fluid tested in over 80% of the cases averaged over 18% water content in the fluid which contributed to the failure. Think of this way. Brake fluid that has water content first, will have a lower boiling point, secondly is more likely to increase rust and other deterioration.

It is best to have brake fluid tested at a licensed brake repair center or mechanic's shop, but there are some things we can do as well to inspect our braking fluid condition.

Test strips: Chemical test strips can be purchased either on-line or at a auto supply store, and they will help determine if it is time to have your brake fluid changed. Since the strips have chemicals that react to the copper content in the fluid, it changes color based on the amount of content in the fluid. If copper levels are 100 or more than the properties of the fluid are breaking down and are nearing the end of their life. If the copper level is 200 or more it is important to change your fluid soon, the fluid is no longer able to inhibit corrosion.

Electronic brake fluid testers: Not the most cheapest piece of equipment to add to your tool box but this tool measures the fluids boiling point to determine if the fluid is due for a change. The one-minute test is extremely accurate and the minimization of risk is well worth the sixty seconds it takes to complete.

Brake fluid type is important that you follow your manufacture requirements to the letter. Usually the fluid type will either be DOT 3 or 4. There are several brands but I recommend Raybestos which boast a dry fluid boiling point of about 550 degree Fahrenheit which meets or exceeds most of the latest requirements.

Your safety is important and your brakes pretty much act like a bullet proof vest when your out piloting the open roads. So, it makes perfect sense to make sure your vest is not going to fall apart when you need it most, otherwise you might not be able to stop the bullet when you go to put your foot to the peddle.

Learn more about this author, Douglas Black.
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