Most Common Brake Fluid Problems
You can lose hydraulic pressure in your brake lines for several reasons, but the most common three are fluid loss, air in the brake lines, and old or contaminated brake fluid. Regardless of the possible reasons, the first step is always a brake inspection to diagnose the problem with your brakes. With regular brake inspections, you can reduce issues with your brake system and potentially nip bigger problems in the bud before they become costly repairs.
Air in the Brake Lines
Your brake fluid levels will drop over time, in part due to normal brake system wear but also because of fluid leaks. When these things occur, air enters the brake lines to fill the vacuum remaining when fluid levels drop. Your brake system is not a 100% closed system. Every time you check your brake fluid, air gets into the lines.
Low Brake Fluid
If your brake fluid is low, it is because of normal attrition or a leak. One reason for low brake fluid is wear from your brake pads. as they wear down, it creates a greater gap between the pads and the rotors. Thus, it requires more brake fluid to bridge the larger gap to reach the wheels. You may also have a leak in the brake lines, which will spill out onto the ground. If not repaired, it could cause your brakes to fail.
Old or Contaminated Brake Fluid
Like motor oil, brake fluid contains several additives that aid in reducing corrosion and fluid breakdown. Also, like motor oil, brake fluid needs to be changed regularly to maintain performance and protection. Corrosion happens because the chemicals in brake fluid tend to attract moisture. Brake fluid absorbs water, drawing moisture in every time the cap is removed from the master cylinder to check the fluid level. Water is drawn into the system, so the moisture begins to cause rust as it circulates in and around the metal components of the brake system.
