Why You Need To Bleed Your Brakes

To keep your brakes performing at their best, it’s important to bleed your brakes on a regular basis. Brake bleeding is the process of flushing out old brake fluid in the braking system. Can you drive your car for 10 years and never bleed the brakes? Yes, many people have. But why take unnecessary risks when the process is easy and inexpensive? Your local brake repair shop can bleed your brakes or you can do it yourself.

How often the brakes need to be bled depends on the driving conditions the vehicle is subject to. For normal everyday driving, many manufacturers do not require the brakes to be bled at all. Some recommend brake fluid replacement at least every 2 years. In high humidity locations, the interval can be as little as every 15 months. Always check your owner’s manual for the correct interval for your vehicle.

If your brake pedal feels spongy and requires extra effort on your part to stop the vehicle, you might have air bubbles in the brake fluid. Any air in the brake fluid has to be compressed before braking action will begin. Air bubbles can get into the brake fluid when the brakes overheat, which causes the fluid to boil and create gas. If there is a leak in the system, air can be drawn into the braking system. The brake bleeding process flushes the air bubbles out of the brake lines and replaces them with fresh fluid.

Water in the brake fluid won’t cause a spongy pedal, but it can make your brakes more susceptible to brake fade. When water mixes with brake fluid, the boiling point of the mixture is lowered, increasing the chances of the fluid overheating. How does it get there in the first place? Brake fluid by nature is hygroscopic, which means it attracts and absorbs moisture. Using an old bottle of brake fluid off the garage shelf to top off the reservoir level can possibly add contaminated fluid to your brakes. A loose master cylinder cap will allow the fluid to absorb water from the air.

Be sure to use the recommended brake fluid type for your vehicle. There are 4 different kinds: DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5 and DOT 5.1. The owner’s manual will list which type is needed for you vehicle. Most vehicles use DOT 3 or DOT 4. Used primarily for classic cars and military vehicles, DOT 5 is a silicone based fluid that is not compatible with the other types. DOT 5.1 is a synthetic fluid that has a high boiling temperature that resists moisture absorption and is becoming more common in today’s vehicles. Read more info about brake fluid.

You have a choice when you need to have your brakes bled. You can take your car into a brake repair shop to have it done by a mechanic; they usually charge $20 - $75.

It’s an easy process, why don’t you just do it yourself? You just need a couple of tools, fresh brake fluid, some clear hose, a container to catch the old fluid, a helper and how to bleed brakes instructions. If you have the tools and a jack for the car, it should only take 15 to 30 minutes to bleed all four brakes. Instructions for How To Bleed Brakes

Either way the job gets done, have your brakes bled for best performance and longevity. Bleed your brakes to remove air and water trapped in the fluid which will help you avoid costly repairs down the road. If you’re experiencing a spongy pedal, get the brakes bled as soon as possible. Take care of your brakes and they’ll take care of you.

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