How to Check Your Brakes Fluid

Brake fluid is an essential fluid that allows the brakes and hydraulic system to function properly. While brake pads and rotors may be checked frequently, this type of maintenance is often overlooked.  Thankfully, checking your vehicle's brake fluid is a simple procedure that can be performed by novice mechanics.

Items needed:

• Rag


• Brake Fluid

Instructions:

1. Prepare the automobile for safety purposes. Engage the parking brake, and turn off the vehicle. Allow the car to thoroughly cool by waiting about 20 minutes. Open the car's hood.


2. Locate the master cylinder. In most vehicles, the brake's master cylinder can be found at the rear of the engine. Depending on the age of the car, the cylinder will be made solely of metal or a combination of metal and plastic.


3. Look at the fluid level. You can look at the brake fluid levels without removing the cap if the vehicle was manufactured in the past 20 years. If the car is older, use a rag to remove the master cylinder's cap to avoid stubborn grease stains. Examine the fluid levels. The fluid should reach the full line. 


4. Add additional fluid if the levels do not reach the full line. Check the owner's manual to determine what type of brake fluid the manufacturer recommends for your car. Pour brake fluid into the master cylinder's reservoirs until the fluid reaches the full line.


5. Use your rag to replace the master cylinder's cap if removal was necessary.


6. Release the hood's safety bar, and close the hood.