The importance of changing brake fluid
Keep your car performing optimally - learn when to change your brake fluid with Castrol's guide.
The importance of changing brake fluid
Brake fluid change
Brakes are critical to your car’s safety, making brake fluid one of its most important components. It prevents vapour lock failure, protects against corrosion and withstands high temperatures.
How often should you change brake fluid?
It depends on the car and driving conditions. Most manufacturers recommend a change every two years. However, regular visual checks are essential. Look out for these signs:
- Dirty or dark fluid (it should be clear)
- A burnt smell
- A spongy or soft brake pedal
- A drop in fluid level
Why is brake fluid important?
Modern braking systems rely on hydraulic pressure and brake fluid is key to their function. Over time, it absorbs moisture, lowering its boiling point and maintaining braking efficiency, especially after heavy use, like descending a steep hill. Using a high-quality fluid like Castrol brake fluid DOT 4 ensures reliability.
What happens during a brake fluid change?
A mechanic will:
- Drain the old fluid
- Replace it with fresh fluid
- Flush the callipers and wheel cylinders
- Bleed the brakes
- Top up and repeat as needed
Recommended product for your brake fluid change
For your brake fluid change, we recommend Castrol brake fluid DOT 4 brake fluid. This high-quality fluid is specially engineered to prevent vapour lock and safeguard your braking system, ensuring optimal performance and safety.
Read more on how to change your brake fluid.