How To Do Just About Everything
By eHow Cars Editor
Check Brake Fluid
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Check the brake fluid when you check all the other fluids. It's easy to do and only takes a minute.
Find the brake master cylinder. This is usually located under the hood on the driver's side of the car, toward the back of the engine compartment. Imagine where your brake pedal would end up if it went all the way through to the engine. The brake master cylinder is a small (about 6-by-2 inches), rectangular piece of metal with a plastic reservoir and a rubber cap on top, and small metal tubes leading from it.
Check your manual if you aren't sure that you've found the master cylinder. The rubber cap will usually read "use only DOT 3 or 4 brake fluid from a sealed container."
Note that on most newer cars the reservoir is translucent and you can see the fluid level without removing the cap. There will be a "full" line, the brake fluid should be at this line.
Add brake fluid to the "full" line. Use the correct brake fluid for your car: Check the rubber cap and your owner's manual to find out what grade of brake fluid your car requires. Most cars use DOT (Department of Transportation) 3 or 4. If the reservoir has 2 parts, fill both halves.
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Comments
Anonymous said
on 7/9/2006 Many newer automobiles and trucks will set the brake warning light when your fluid is low. Adjust the fluid level and see if the light goes off (and stays off). Still, inspect the brakes though, even if the light does go out; there's a reason why the fluid is low.
Anonymous said
on 3/14/2006 Color is not an accurate indication of the condition of your brake fluid. Make sure your mechanic uses a creditable method for testing the condition of the brake fluid.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 If brake fluid is exposed to moisture for too long it will lose it's effectiveness.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Brake fluid can absorb water very quickly, as the braking system is not airtight. Bleed and change every 12 months or every 30,000 miles (whichever comes first). Not every three years, especially if you live in a cold climate.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Low brake fluid in the master cylinder may be a sign that your brakes pads or shoes are starting to wear out. As they get worn, the wheel cylinders expand and suck brake fluid out of the master cylinder. Don't assume that all you need is extra brake fluid! Have your brakes checked and get a mechanic to tell you how much percentage of pad or shoe you have left.