Information About Brake Fluid

When purchasing brake fluid for your vehicle, it is important that you take the time to learn about the fluid before making any type of investment. Although this type of fluid is inexpensive, there are still different grades to consider when purchasing. If you purchase the wrong kind, you can cause damage to your vehicle.

Fluid Types and Importance

The different grades of brake fluid include DOT 3, 4 and 5. You must look in your vehicle’s instruction manual to determine which type of fluid your car requires. Additionally, most current vehicle models will also have this information on the top of the cap where you are supposed to pour the fluid in. Pay attention to this vital information, as putting the wrong type off fluid in your vehicle can cause unnecessary pressure in your engine, which can result in dangerous situations.

Changing Times

Although your manufacturer’s booklet will provide you with specific information in regards to how long you should go in between fluid changing, the average amount of time to change this fluid is every two years. If you drive your vehicle more often than the average person, you will need to change this fluid every 30,000 miles, which can be as little as one year for heavy drivers, or as many as three years or more for those who rarely drive a vehicle.

Miscellaneous Information

Another thing to consider when speaking in terms of brake fluid is the fact that certain additives may not go well with your specific vehicle. Before pouring the fluid into your car, look at the label on the bottle to determine what additives are used.