When should I bleed my car's brakes?

Question

What are signs to look for? My brakes seem to work fine but the fluid in my master cylinder is low and mostly brown colored, is it time for a change? Should I simply add more fluid or bleed the entire system? My mechanic will do it for sixty bucks Canadian.

Ok, so since my brake fluid is low, but my brakes are not spongy or soft...should I simply pour in some brake fluid and that's it?? Will it matter that I'm adding it to some old dirty brake fluid??

Answer 1

it's best to flush the brake fluid out every couple of years or when you have the pads changed as moisture gets into the fluid from heat and cooling all the time and the moisture can ruin the wheel cylinders and calipers.

Answer 2

you need to bleed when they go soft and spongy
on the pedal

I would add fluid and replace the cap -

and preferably before air gets into the system -

then you will get soft and spongy brakes

and HAVE to bleed the system

***********by the way

saw a neat device at a repair shop

clear rubber tube you put on the brake fluid exit valve
- it had a 'one way' valve on it - which allowed the brakes
to be bled by one person - which you might be able to do yourself

just attach the hose -(and put the end of the hose into a catch container) open the valve - then sit back in the driver's seat and push up and down three times - then check the clear hose - if no bubbles - tighten and move on to the next wheel.

best of luck

Answer 3

Fluid is low due to lining material wearing away from normal use. The color is not unusual for higher mileage cars, but I do recommend a brake fluid flush, cleaner is always better than dirty, no matter what fluid your looking at on your car.