![]() ![]() ![]() Imagine the terrifying worst-case scenario where you brake hard in an emergency and the pedal goes straight to the floor because of the total failure of the hydraulic braking system. This will cause a gradual deterioration in the efficiency of your brakes. Over time, the moisture content in the brake fluid increases, along with dirt and other contaminants. But brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning that it attracts moisture from the air, which can seep past seals and through microscopic pores in the rubber hoses. In your Toyota's sophisticated and highly efficient braking system, the brake fluid is stored in a sealed environment and can survive for many years. Having your brake fluid flushed is necessary to keep your brakes working efficiently. #BRAKE FLUID PROFESSIONAL#You could use one as a rough guide, but get the results backed up by a Toyota technician using a professional tester. You can buy a DIY brake fluid tester, but they are notoriously inaccurate. The technician will use a brake fluid tester that collects a sample of fluid and heats it up to check its boiling point. The best way to ensure that your brake fluid is in good condition is to have it inspected and tested by an expert technician each time you take your car to your Toyota service center for other maintenance, such as an oil change. In a humid climate, the brake fluid will absorb more moisture than in a hot, dry climate. It can also depend on the age of your car, how much you drive, and where you mostly drive. #BRAKE FLUID DRIVERS#No two drivers are the same, and some are harder on their brakes than others. How Often Should You Change the Brake Fluid in a Toyota?Īs a rule, Toyota recommends that you change the brake fluid every two years or 20,000 miles, although several factors can affect the interval. As the brake fluid absorbs water during its life, the boiling point is reduced, which is why it should be changed regularly. This is because, while liquids are incompressible, gases are compressible. If the fluid boils (turns to gas), it will lose the ability to transfer force and cause partial or complete brake failure. Under hard or prolonged braking, the brake fluid gets hot, which is why its boiling point is important. The main difference is that glycol-based fluid absorbs water, while silicon-based fluid doesn't. The three main types of brake fluid are DOT3 and DOT4, which are glycol-based, and DOT5 which is silicon-based. The Department of Transportation classifies brake fluids to defined specifications that relate to their chemical composition and boiling point. Put more simply, when you press the brake pedal, brake fluid converts this force into pressure to the front and rear brakes, which stops the vehicle. The fluid is responsible for converting force into pressure to increase the braking force. (If you have brake problems that require immediate attention, give us a call.) What Is Brake Fluid? Image via Flickr by Doug Waldron.īrake fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid used in your car's hydraulic brake system. The brake fluid should be changed regularly to maintain the efficiency of your brakes, but how often? Here, we'll look at what brake fluid is, how it works, and when you should change it. However, while the brake pads and discs are regularly checked during a scheduled service or routine maintenance, the brake fluid is often neglected. You need to know that when you press the brake pedal, the car will slow down and stop safely. ![]() Many of us take our car's braking system for granted, but it is one of the vehicle's most vital safety systems. ![]()
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