How to check your brake fluid

Castrol: How to check your brake fluid

What you may need to check your brake fluid:

• Clean Cloths • The correct Brake Fluid for your car, 1 x 500 mL is usually plenty

  • STEP 1 Ensure your car is parked and on level ground with hand brake applied.
  • STEP 2 The brake fluid reservoir is located under the bonnet. Most modern cars have a translucent plastic reservoir with ‘maximum’ and ‘minimum’ levels clearly indicated.
  • STEP 3 If the fluid level is below minimum when your car is parked on level ground, it will need to be topped up.
  • STEP 4 Carefully and thoroughly clean area around the reservoir with a cloth. Open the reservoir and add the recommended Castrol Brake Fluid. Do not overfill.
  • STEP 5 Replace reservoir cap. Carefully wash off any brake fluid spilt on the paintwork with water. Do not wipe off as it may damage paintwork.
  • STEP 6 If your car is a manual with a hydraulic clutch, check your clutch fluid level at the same time.

 

Other items to check

 

  • Regular topping up indicates a leak in the system, which should be located and rectified by a qualified brake specialist. 
  • Dirty fluid indicates you may have contaminated fluid, or that it has been in service too long. The complete brake system should be flushed and refilled with new brake fluid. 
  • If your brake pedal feels soft or spongy, or travels more than 30mm before becoming firm, your brakes may need to be bled to remove air from the system or on older vehicles adjusted. This job is best left to a qualified brake specialist or service workshop. 
  • Your brake fluid should be changed at least every 2 years or as per manufacturer’s specifications. For severe duty applications like heavy towing, every year is recommended. (Note: If the kms are low the fluid should still be replaced according to time, high kms are acceptable in the same time period). 
  • If you are experiencing squeaky brakes, have the disc pads and / or brake shoe linings checked for excessive wear. Replace if required.

 

Handy hints

 

  • If you top up your brake fluid yourself it is vital that the area around the reservoir be clean and free of dust before it is opened. Avoid spilling fluid; it can damage your paintwork. Wash it off with water immediately, do not wipe off.
  • Most cars use polyglycol type brake fluids. However, a few vehicles still use special mineral oils. It is vital that the correct brake fluid is used. If in doubt consult a brake specialist. Never put anything but the recommended type of brake fluid in your brake system, otherwise brake failure may result. 
  • For additional information call the Castrol Technical Helpline on 1300 557 998.

 

Note: If you are unsure about what to do or require additional information, please refer to your car’s handbook for further details on this aspect of your car’s maintenance or consult an expert.

*Reference: https://www.castrol.com/en_au/australia/home/learn/how-to-guides.html#accordion_check-brake

Back to blog