Brakes · 3 min read
Brake fluid: why it needs changing even when brakes feel fine
Brake fluid is hygroscopic — it absorbs moisture from the air over time. That's the reason it has a replacement interval even on a car that stops perfectly well.
What moisture does
Water lowers the fluid's boiling point. Under heavy braking — a long descent, or a hard stop from speed — the fluid can boil, producing vapour that compresses. The pedal goes long and soft exactly when you need it not to.
It also causes corrosion
Moisture in the system corrodes calipers, cylinders and ABS components from the inside. Renewing fluid is far cheaper than replacing what it damages.
How often
Most manufacturers specify every two years regardless of mileage. Fluid condition can be tested, and we check it as part of a service so you're not guessing.
Bookings
Book your car into the workshop
Tell us your registration and what the car is doing. We'll come back to you to confirm a date.