So how often should you change your brake fluid?<\/p>\n
Dewald Ranft, chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), an association of the Retail Motor Industry (RMI), said this is a common question customers ask their workshop mechanics.<\/p>
The braking system of the vehicle remains one of the most overlooked systems in the vehicle and can be one of the most critical too.<\/p>\n
Ranft explained that brake fluid is essential for a car’s brakes to work properly.<\/p>
Over time, brake fluid can absorb moisture from the atmosphere which reduces its boiling point and, therefore, effectiveness.<\/p>\n
This moisture absorption also compromises the integrity of the brake system components such as the rubber seals and the anti-lock braking system (ABS).<\/p>\n
\u201cBrake fluid is a vital part of the brake system so customers are right to be concerned about proper maintenance,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Most brake fluid manufacturers recommend changing brake fluid every 18 months or 60 000km.<\/p>\n
Brake fluids are glycol-based DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5.1.<\/p>\n
Ranft said consumers must be careful not to confuse the DOT5.1 brake fluid with DOT 5 brake fluid, which is a silicone based brake fluid that is not compatible with normal road going vehicles.<\/p>\n
DOT5.1 has seen an enhancement in the properties of glycol-based DOT 4 brake fluid in order to provide a number of safety improvements such as a higher boiling point.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis results in better braking under increased loads and speeds.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt also has improved lubrication properties which is intended to assist the high pressure components of the modern braking systems.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough it\u00a0 is more resistant to deterioration over time,\u00a0 regrettably it does not extend the service lifespan beyond the 18 month period,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Car coolant needs to be checked once a year \u2013 here\u2019s why\u2026<\/a><\/p>\n 5 tips for driving in wet weather<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Unhappily brake systems do become contaminated.<\/p>\n In this event it is necessary to completely flush out all of the existing contaminated brake fluid and replace it with new fluid.<\/p>\n Flushing ensures that the brake system will perform at its optimum.<\/p>\n He offers a word of warning, however, saying brake fluid types aren\u2019t easily interchangeable; however this only applies to non-glycol based brake fluids.<\/p>\n Although DOT3, DOT 4 and DOT5.1 can be interchanged, it is not a recommended practice.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not like the old days where one brake fluid, or one transmission fluid, worked in all makes and models.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are so many now that you have to be aware of, and different manufacturers have different recommendations,\u201d said Ranft, who,\u00a0 following\u00a0 the lead of the brake fluid manufacturers,\u00a0 recommends a brake fluid flush and change every 18 months or 60 000 kilometres.<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to note that this is not a do-it-yourself procedure.<\/p>\n The technology in modern brake systems can put you at risk if you fail to follow the flushing and servicing procedure to the letter.<\/p>\n Rather contact your manufacturer or visit your nearest MIWA service centre for further clarification on when to change your brake fluid.<\/p>\n If in doubt, stop at any MIWA workshop, where they can advise if the fluid requires changing he concludes.<\/p>\n \u201cBad brakes kill.<\/p>\n \u201cDo not leave your braking system to chance.<\/p>\n \u201cHave it professionally checked regularly.<\/p>\n \u201cGiven the high cost of brake components, the peace of mind gained through this relatively inexpensive procedure makes it worthwhile,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za <\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n