Refresh Your Brakes (Brake Fluid Exchange)
January 29, 2023
Brakes are one of your vehicle's most important safety components, and you may have noticed that they don't stop as surely as they used to. Maybe it takes you applying a little more pressure to them than before, or perhaps you get the feeling that they're not stopping you as quickly.
Those could be signs that your brake fluid needs changing. Hydraulic brake systems use a fluid that enables the brakes to apply their stopping power to the wheels. That fluid can wear out, degrade, become contaminated or pick up air and moisture. All those can eventually contribute to brakes that feel sluggish. Driving with old, worn-out brake fluid may also shorten the lifespan of other braking components.
Our technicians can evaluate your brake fluid to see if it needs changing. Your vehicle's manufacturer recommends how often that should be done, and when it needs changing may depend on how and where you drive. Our technicians can check the condition of your brake fluid when you have your regular oil changes.
A technician will remove the old fluid and replace it with the type the vehicle manufacturer recommends. They will also bleed the air from the brake system, check it for any leaks and inspect other components such as the hoses, rotors and brake pads. Because brake fluid is combustible and toxic, it's important that it be disposed of properly so as not to create environmental damage.
And just a reminder that if you continue to drive with old, contaminated brake fluid that's past its lifespan, other components of your brake system can fail. Let's face it. Brakes that don't stop you when you need them can endanger your lifeāand the lives of those near your vehicle.
Commerce Auto Repair
9575 Commerce Rd.
Commerce, Michigan 48382
248.363.3749
Need Service?
More articles from Commerce Auto Repair

Full Stop (Brake Master Cylinder Replacement)
March 30, 2025
When you step on your brake pedal, you want to feel confident that your vehicles going to stop. If your brakes arent working right, its a risk to your safety and the safety of others on the road. After all, youre driving a machine that weighs thousands of pounds, and you have to be able to stop... More

Bump in the Road (Alignment)
March 23, 2025
There's something you can do that helps your tires last longer, wear more evenly and your vehicle handle better. "Sign me up," you say! Wondering what that is? It's aligning your wheels, and it will literally point you in the right direction when it comes to a better and safer driving experience... More

Clean Machine (Fuel and Air Induction Cleaning)
March 16, 2025
As your vehicle ages, its performance isnt quite what it used to be, but many of us never notice the change because its gradual. So here are a few questions to ask yourself. Does your vehicle feel like it doesnt have the pep that it used to? Have you noticed your fuel economy isnt quite as good... More