Most people have difficulty completely grasping a problem if they can’t see it, or if its effects won’t be felt for some time. It’s just human nature, we’ve evolved to take care of our immediate problems and deal with everything else later, but a little bit of foresight can do a lot of good.
Some things you want to fix before they break and your brakes are one of them. Trust us, you don’t want to find out your car needs Frederick, MD brake maintenance when you’re driving down the highway and your brake pedal does nothing. Your brakes should be regularly checked, and you should have regular maintenance performed, but one aspect of maintenance that is often overlooked is the brake flush. We wanted to take some time today to talk about brake flushes and why they’re important.
What is a Brake Flush?
All vehicles have a brake system, and every brake system works using brake fluid. This fluid helps to move parts around and allows for your vehicle to stop and go as you please, but over time this fluid degrades. Little bits of rubber, metal, and dirt get into the fluid and make it less effective and can even make it completely inoperable, which is why it’s important that you change your fluids with regularity.
When performing a brake flush, your car will be completely drained of all of the fluid, and it will be “flushed” when there are no more air bubbles. Then it will be filled back up with fresh fluid and you’re good to go.
When Should I Have a Brake Flush Done?
Like many things in our world, there is no “right” answer to this question. How long your brake fluid will last before it needs changing depends on the make and model of your vehicle, what kind of fluid you’re using, and how often/much you drive. The only real way to get a specific estimate is to consult a professional Frederick, MD brake maintenance specialist.
Having said that, there are a couple of general guidelines. Most vehicles should have their brake fluid flushed every 30,000 miles, though as we said this number will vary depending on your specific vehicle. You should also be aware that there is a difference between brake flushing and a process known as brake bleeding. We’ve already outlined the brake flushing process, and brake bleeding is similar but a little different. When brake bleeding you’re not draining and replacing the fluid entirely, you’re only draining a little bit to try and remove any air bubbles.
Get Help From a Trusted Frederick, MD Brake Maintenance Expert
Ken’s Automotive & Transmissions is more than just a local brake maintenance shop, we’re a part of the community. We’ve been providing our brake maintenance services to Frederick, MD for years now and we’ve enjoyed every moment of it. Our customers are more than just customers, they’re our friends, our family, and our neighbors. We’re so glad that Frederick has embraced us, and we hope to continue to serve our community for many more years in the future!
