BRAKE INSPECTION, SERVICE, AND REPAIR Your brakes are the most important safety mechanism on your car, helping you control your vehicle and avoid collisions on a daily basis. That means it’s critical for drivers to understand when to change brake fluid and take other preventative steps to keep brakes in good working condition. If you’ve got questions about your brake system, we’ve got answers to common questions below, including how often to change brake fluid, what bleeding brakes means, symptoms of disc brake issues, and more.

SIGNS OF BRAKE ISSUES

Although we recommend checking your brakes at least once a year, the following symptoms may indicate that you should have your brakes inspected immediately:

• Grinding, squeaking, or squealing brakes
• Brake pedal feels soft or spongy
• Shaking steering wheel during braking
• Brake pedal pulsating when you brake at highway speeds
• Car pulls to one side while braking
• Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) or BRAKE warning lights illuminated

If you are experiencing any of the above, bring your car in for a brake check.

WHEN TO CHANGE BRAKE FLUID

Does brake fluid need to be changed? The answer is yes! Over time, brake fluid starts to lose its corrosion protection properties. And since many brake components contain copper, this can prove quite dangerous for your brake system. When moisture seeps into a system with bad brake fluid, corrosion to these copper components becomes more likely. In effect, you may experience reduced brake performance, premature wear, and potential damage to the entire system.

The technicians at United Auto Group can test the copper levels in your brake fluid to determine if it is no longer protecting the system from corrosion. When the copper content levels in your brake fluid are 200 PPM (parts per million) or more, industry standards (AMRA) suggest a brake fluid exchange.

It's also worth checking brake fluid levels as well. Low brake fluid levels most often indicate worn brake pads, but low levels can also signify damaged brake lines or a leak in the system. Without sufficient amounts of brake fluid, you may need to press the brake pedal down further to activate the brakes, which may reduce braking effectiveness. That’s why it’s important to regularly inspect brake fluid levels in the master cylinder and check your owner’s manual for manufacturer-recommended fluid change intervals.

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