Your vehicle’s brakes are among its most important components, but they are often overlooked. While it is easy to remember things like oil changes and tire rotations, brakes are not generally at the forefront of a car owner’s mind.

Without high-quality brakes, your vehicle won’t be safe for you or other drivers on the road. Staying on top of brake maintenance, especially brake fluid flushes, will ensure that your car can stop on a dime whenever it needs to.

Modern automobile brakes work using a hydraulic fluid system that runs throughout the car and allows you to create a lot of pressure on the brake rotors without having to apply much to the brake pedal. This hydraulic system uses fluid in brake lines, and if that fluid is old or there is air in the system, your brakes will not work as they are supposed to.

Understanding why brake fluid changes and maintenance are crucial for your car’s safety will help you make them a priority the next time you take your vehicle into the shop.

The Risks of Neglecting Brake Fluid Changes

Like the other fluids in your car, brake fluid needs to be changed regularly. Neglecting brake fluid replacements can lead to serious issues and make your vehicle unsafe on the road. One of the biggest reasons for this is that moisture and air will make their way into the brake lines over time. When this happens, the fluid will not be able to apply as much pressure to the brake pads, and your car’s stopping distance will be significantly affected.

Old brake fluid will also start to separate and corrode the brake lines and hoses as time goes on. This can lead to serious problems, including corrosion on the brake components and leaks that can cause a complete brake failure. In high-demand situations, such as high-speed braking or mountain driving, a brake failure is the last thing you want to encounter, so brake fluid changes should always be a part of your automotive maintenance checklist.

Signs Your Brake Fluid Needs Changing

If you aren’t sure when the last time you changed your brake fluid was, there are things to keep an eye out for that can help you know when it is time. One of the most common signs that you need a brake fluid change is a spongy brake pedal. As brake fluid breaks down and water and air get into the system, the brakes will not feel as tight or responsive as they usually do. Pressing on the pedal may not give you the stopping power that you are used to, which can be incredibly dangerous, especially in situations when you need to stop as soon as possible.

In some cars, there is a warning system in place that will tell you when your brakes are not working like they should. This is usually called the Brake System Warning Light, and it will look like a circle with an exclamation point in the center and round brackets on the side. Some vehicles may also have an ABS warning light that will come up, which means there is an issue with the brakes. If you want to check your fluid regularly, you can also locate the brake fluid reservoir in the engine compartment. Brake fluid should have a yellowish tint, and if you notice that the fluid in the reservoir is dark or looks more like motor oil, it is time to change it.

The Importance of Regular Brake Fluid Changes

The frequency with which you should be changing your brake fluid will depend heavily on factors like the type of car you have and the kind of driving you do. See your owner’s manual, or, as a general rule, you should change the brake fluid in your car at least every two years. If you drive more often than the average person, though, a fluid change once every 30,000 miles is going to ensure that you don’t run into issues with your car’s braking system down the line.

Keeping up with your brake fluid changes is the best way to ensure that your vehicle will be safe no matter what. By getting fluid changes at regular intervals, you can avoid issues like poor brake performance, deteriorated brake components, and large repairs in the brakes’ hydraulic system. While brake maintenance may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about automotive upkeep, it is one of the most important things you can do for your safety and the performance of your car.

Extended Warranties and Routine Maintenance

In addition to vehicle maintenance, a protection plan will help you make sure your vehicle stays in good condition for as long as possible. When you buy a new car, it will most likely come with a factory warranty that is provided by the manufacturer to protect you from things like defects and problems when the vehicle is assembled at the factory. Most of the time, the bumper-to-bumper coverage that comes with your car will be good for anywhere between three years or 36,000 miles and five years or 60,000 miles. Once this warranty is up, though, you will be solely responsible for any repairs that need to be made to the car.

If you want to continue covering your vehicle and protecting yourself against costly repairs, an extended warranty is your best bet. An extended warranty, which is more accurately called a vehicle service contract (VSC), can be purchased from a third-party provider and will help you pay for repairs when they come up. VSC providers offer all kinds of coverage options, and you can find one that suits your needs best and gives you the highest level of protection.

One of the stipulations of having a VSC in place, though, is that you will have to be vigilant about staying on top of vehicle maintenance. If an issue arises due to neglect on your part, it may not be covered by your protection plan. Because of this, you must keep up with maintenance procedures like oil changes, transmission fluid flushes, and, of course, brake fluid changes. This way, if a problem with your brakes comes up, you can be sure that your extended warranty will cover it, and it will not be voided by a lack of maintenance.

FAQs: Brake Fluid Changes and Vehicle Safety

What Does it Mean When Your Brake System Warning Light Is On?

If your Brake System Warning Light is on, it could be an indication that your brakes are not operating as they should. In some cases, this can mean that the time has come to do a brake fluid change. It can also mean that there is a malfunction somewhere in the brake system, so it is important that you get your vehicle to a shop as soon as possible when this light turns on.

What Is a Brake Fluid Change?

When you get a brake fluid change for your car, all of the old fluid will be flushed out of the system. Then, new fluid will be put in, and the brake lines will be bled to ensure that no bubbles of air are trapped in them. This will ensure that your brakes will be as responsive as possible and that there will be no squishy feeling in the brake pedal.

How Much is a Brake Fluid Change?

The cost of a brake fluid change will depend on the shop you go to and the type of vehicle you have. For the most part, you can expect a brake fluid change to cost somewhere between $80 and $200. While this may seem expensive, it will be well worth it in the long run if it means your car will be safe and your brake components will stay in good shape.

Is a Brake Fluid Change Necessary?

A brake fluid change every two years is necessary. Neglecting to change your brake fluid can have disastrous results, whether this means that your brakes will require expensive repairs or they will make your car unsafe. Keeping up on brake and car maintenance is the best thing you can do if you want to ensure that you and your passengers are protected on the road.

Protect Your Brakes and Yourself With Endurance

Swapping out for fresh brake fluid on a regular basis is important for your safety and the condition of your vehicle. Plus, if you have an extended warranty or vehicle service contract, it will help you keep your coverage active and prevent problems the next time you go to file a claim.

If you want an auto protection plan to give you the extra coverage you need and help you pay for auto repairs outside of your regular maintenance program, Endurance Warranty is here for you. With a wide range of auto protection plans and customizable options, you can get coverage for everything from older high-mileage vehicles all the way up to high-end luxury cars. Endurance also covers vehicles that other VSC providers won’t, such as vehicles used for commercial purposes, vehicles with a salvage title, or Canadian Gray Market cars.

Endurance plans run the gamut from basic powertrain coverage to bumper-to-bumper protection, so you can get the customized plan that will work best for your car and your needs. Plus, every plan comes with a large collection of standard benefits like 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, rental car coverage, and trip interruption protection so you can feel safe no matter where you are. Endurance customers can also get access to Elite Benefits for a small activation fee. These perks include tire repairs, key fob replacement, and up to $1,000 in total loss coverage.

If you need coverage for your vehicle, contact an Endurance plan advisor at (800) 253-8203 or request a FREE quote. You can also get an instant price preview on our online store so you know what to expect with your protection plan.

The Endurance blog also offers a range of resources, such as FAQs, warranty provider comparisons, mechanical breakdown insurance guides for California drivers, DIY maintenance tips and tricks, and more.