Dehydration can make you feel sluggish and irritable, limiting your ability to think and move. Turns out, your car can suffer from dehydration too. Like your body, your car needs fluids to run at its best, fluids like motor oil, windshield wiper fluid, and brake fluid. But while you likely check your oil and wiper fluid every few months, how often do you check your brake fluid? If you're like most drivers, not all that often.
Checking brake fluid is easier than you think and far more important than you could ever imagine. There’s a lot riding on maintaining optimal brake fluid levels, including your safety, your car's responsiveness, and its overall lifespan. Without brake fluid, your car or truck won't stop when you push the brake pedal. Talk about a serious hazard!
How to Check Brake Fluid
Visit your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care location for a quick brake fluid check, or read on for three simple steps to checking your brake fluid at home. Please keep in mind that these instructions are general guidelines. Consult your owner's manual for specific information about your vehicle.
If checking your brake fluid level isn't a DIY activity you're comfortable with, no worries. Feel free to stop by your local Firestone Complete Auto Care and let our technicians take a look. It's our job to make sure your brakes are doing theirs!
What if my brake fluid is low?
If you suspect your brake fluid level is low, it's time to visit a professional, especially if the dashboard brake light has come on too! There could be a leak or your brake pads may need replacing. Either way, leaving it up to chance could mean a scary reduction in brake performance.
Can I change my own brake fluid?
Are you considering changing your brake fluid at home? While checking your brake fluid level can be simple, changing your brake fluid isn't. Consider leaving a brake fluid refill, change, or flush to the professionals since doing so:
- Can require a dozen or more tools, some of which are unique to the process.
- Exposes you to a fluid that can be extremely toxic.
- Threatens your vehicle’s paint job, since brake fluid can eat away at it.
Stop by Firestone Complete Auto Care
About 84 percent of vehicles in use need service or parts, says the Car Care Council.
Don’t let a low brake fluid level or dirty, ineffective brake fluid push your car or truck into that category. Find your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care and stop by for a brake fluid service that will keep your car running—and stopping—smoother, longer!
