No doubt, a car needs engine oil for lubrication so you can accelerate. Transmission fluid is necessary to automate the gear shifts. However, if your vehicle has a hydraulic brake system, you may also require brake fluid.
The brake fluid has the responsibility to generate enough pressure so that brake pads can work properly and the vehicle can get stopped as expected. When you step on the brake pedal, pressure from the brake fluid is generated to press the brake pads, which in turn stop your wheels from turning.
So brake fluid is an important component, and if it goes low, you cannot stop the vehicle properly. Your car might behave out of control just because of the scarcity of brake fluid. However, it is necessary to understand the reason behind the low level of brake fluid.
## Why does brake fluid go low?
Imagining a vehicle without brakes is impossible. However, brakes can fail at any time. If the brakes cause any problem or begin to behave strangely. You just need to be attentive for brakes. Here, we are sharing some essential points to understand why brake fluid goes bad.
A leakage inside the unit is a cause for concern
As a brake system or unit consists of a number of components, there might be a leak anywhere, including in the master cylinder, brake lines, hoses, or callipers. When a brake system leaks, there is a lack of brake fluid, and the brakes do not work as efficiently as they should.
However, leaks can be the result of damage that has happened while driving. It could be a collision with a curb or a road stone. Leaks are easily identified by the spots left under the vehicle. You can also confirm it by checking the fluid reservoir around the engine.
Besides, just come to Service My Car for an expert assessment.
Worn-out brake pads waste more brake fluid
In hydraulic braking systems, the brake pads can also cause damage. It occurs when the calliper piston must descend from the resting towards the brake pads.
As brake fluid has to travel farther than normal, there is more work to do, and the loss of fluid is higher.
Damaged brake lines may leak fluid
Especially in older vehicles, there could be a lot of wear and tear. But some components are prone to damage when they get rusted. These damaged brake lines can leak brake fluid, eventually hampering the braking capacity of a car.
Though there are reasons behind a brake fluid loss, but when do you really get to know about the problem due to brake fluid? Here, we are sharing these points that will really help identify the problems with brakes.
An indication from the brake warning light
Sensors are an integral part of most vehicles. The braking system does not take too much time to generate indications once the sensor senses any problem. When the brake fluid level is low, the brake light usually begins to illuminate.
Usually, the brake system consists of sealing protection, and the fluid level should be close to full. Though fluid loss is inevitable, if there is too much of it, you should consider it at the earliest possible time.
Get your vehicle to Service My Car as soon as possible for a proper inspection.
Dirty fluid is not a good sign for your car
Brake fluid discoloration is not a good thing. If you find your brake fluid in a dark color, such as brown or black, this indicates that it is dirty. Besides, there could be a considerable number of particles floating in the fluid.
Get the brake fluid changed if you find any contamination.
Brakes give you a tough experience
Your brakes should be smooth enough to deliver the required performance without bothering you. However, any hassle, such as a spongy brake experience, is not good for you in any case.
Though it is a result of moisture build-up inside the brake system, when the moisture becomes boiled, problems arise. Due to heat, when moisture turns into the air in the brake lines, it would be hard to compress it, and the brake efficacy would suffer.
You can also go to Service My Car for brake pads replacement.
You need a fresh set of brakes
If you recently chose the flush, there is no point in using the brake fluid because you cannot use the engine oil again. However, brakes that are beyond repair are unable to stop a car at all.
If you use new oil, you can protect yourself, other drivers, and the environment by ensuring that your brakes function as effectively as possible. Think about choosing Service My car replaced your brakes.
If you notice any brake problems, an underlying issue such as a lack of brake fluid or worn-out brake pads may be present. However, since it is very difficult to diagnose while driving, you should pull over to the side of the road before calling for roadside assistance.
If the brakes aren't working properly, don't try to drive the car. Do not jeopardise the security of others or yourself. Service My Car is always ready to serve you for any car maintenance while you can book a car service or order a car repair order on our website or app online.