Brake Fluid Replacement in St. Louis

Lou Fusz Toyota in St. Louis is happy to check your brake fluid and help you stay safe on the road!

Do you need to get your brake fluid replaced? Contact us at Lou Fusz Toyota vehicle repair near St. Louis and ensure your safety on the road. Your brakes are the most essential safety feature on your vehicle; this is what allows your car to slow down and stop in a matter of seconds, avoiding any potential wrecking. There is a proper amount of brake fluid that is required for each vehicle to keep your brakes in good working condition. This fluid maximizes the hydraulic pressure on the brake pedal when you press down. Your brakes will be harder to push down without the proper amount of brake fluid, making it more difficult to stop or slow down significantly in the event of an emergency. When it comes to car maintenance, replacing your brake fluid is essential and can improve the function of your brakes and the safety of your vehicle.

What is brake fluid?

The many components of your Toyota's braking system are maintained by brake fluid, also known as hydraulic fluid. If you didn't have this fluid, your car wouldn't be able to stop even if you pressed the brake pedal to the floor. The brake rotors in your Toyota near St. Louis squeeze down on the brake pads by using the brake fluid pressure. They then can make contact with the wheels, slowing your vehicle down. Brake fluid is only useful when it is not overheated. If it gets too warm and turns into vapor, bubbles are formed, also resulting in brake failure.

There are five signs that your brake fluid should be replaced.

• 1. Color Change: Brake fluid that is brand new is colorless. However, when it's time to replace it, it becomes darker and opaque. Look inside the brake fluid reservoir to check the color of your brake fluid.
• 2. Brake Pedal Becomes Bouncy: Does your brake pedal seem bouncy, or is it soft? If your brake pedal becomes bouncy, you should have your brake fluid replaced. Air will enter your brake line due to a shortage of brake fluid, resulting in less responsive braking.
• 3. Inconsistent Braking Performance: You should replace your brake fluid if your vehicle takes longer to slow down or stop or if your vehicle has inconsistent braking.
• 4. Strange Noises During Braking: Hearing strange noises while braking could indicate a lack of brake fluid or another braking system malfunction that should be checked out immediately for your safety.
• 5. Burning Smell: Burning odors after hard braking may signal that your brake fluid has depleted. If you continue driving despite the burning smell, you will likely be involved in an accident due to failed brakes.

How often should brake fluid be replaced?

Depending on the model of your Toyota near St. Louis, your Toyota will provide different guidelines for how often brake fluid should be changed. When it comes to changing your brake fluid, your everyday driving conditions play a role. The average driver replaces their brake fluid every 4-5 years. If your brake fluid hasn't been checked in a while, come to Toyota Service Center in St. Louis for brake fluid replacement service.