I just had Brake Fluid added to my 2004 Impala because the LOW BRAKE FLUID light flashed once. Does the flashing of this light necessarily mean i will HAVE to get new brake pads a month from now? Thanks
2006-07-22 06:29:51 · 7 answers · asked by westphalia1 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
OK..Car manufactures put a lot of time into the design of everything on cars.
The brake system is designed with the consumer in mind.
They know that the average person does not look at their brake pads and rotors on a regular basis to inspect for wear.
The size of the caliper reservoirs, brake line length and diameter, pad thickness, rotor wear, etc. all use a certain amount of brake fluid.
They then use the appropriate size master cylinder to hold just the right amount of fluid to maintain the braking system.
When your brakes have reached their limit of use / wear the fluid level activates the IDIOT light.
If you add brake fluid, provided there is no leak, when the brakes are serviced, the caliper cups are pushed back into the caliper, the fluid returns to the master cylinder, and will overflow all over everything.
YOU SHOULD NEVER HAVE TO ADD FLUID
unless you flush the system.
Brake fluid does not evaporate.
Expect a mess, and tell whom ever is going to do the brakes that they will overflow.
2006-07-22 07:04:08 · answer #1 · answered by Mr. KnowItAll 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That light came on for the brake fluid being low. Since you have such a new car the idea that brake fluid is leaking is absurd. So the brake fluid will go down because the brakes are wearing thin and the caliper pistons are pushed outward more. It is very likely that your brakes are nearing their replacement time when the brake fluid goes low in the master cylinder.
DO NOT GO TO MIDAS OR CAR-X OR ANYWHERE BUT A DEALER FOR BRAKE REPLACEMENT.
If you go to these ripoff aftermarket stores they will tell you that your calipers/pads/rotors all need replacement. We call it CPR. Because they use it on every car. You simply will need new brake pads and your rotors resurfaced. Here at our dealership on your car that is only $149.95. And then you get the factory brake pads that won't squeak and warp your brake rotors.
Hope I was helpful....
2006-07-22 06:39:10 · answer #2 · answered by ubet426 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is not an indication that the pads are worn. Surely you are not riding the brakes enough to wear the pads out in 2 years. Don't worry about it again unless you have to add fluid again soon. If you have to keep adding fluid, have it checked out.
2006-07-22 06:39:30 · answer #3 · answered by crazytrain_23_78 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No
It means your brake fluid was low
Maybe caused by a leaking brake line,wheel cyclinder or caliper .
2006-07-22 06:33:22 · answer #4 · answered by Vulcan 1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, probably if your lucky, depending on mileage driven.hopefully its hasn't developed a serious leak from brake line, master cylinder, etc.fluid doesn't evaporate, where did it go..pads wearing out, rideing closer to rotor, fluid level drops a shot or two..normal..
2006-07-22 06:45:10 · answer #5 · answered by jeeps 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, when your pads need to be replaced your brake light will remain on.It would be coincidental if your pads needed replacing at that time.
2006-07-22 06:39:26 · answer #6 · answered by kool22 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. it has no wear sensor so the car wont know.
2006-07-22 06:31:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋