Brake systems in today’s vehicles are activated by brake fluid, so keeping enough brake fluid in your vehicle is imperative to ensure the safety of you and your family – brake fluid leaks are the most common cause of total brake failure, and you should not drive a vehicle that is leaking brake fluid.
Without properly functioning brakes, vehicles are not drivable. Here are some tips to identify if your vehicle is leaking brake fluid and whether you need a brake system repair.
HOW DO I IDENTIFY A BRAKE FLUID LEAK?
The most obvious symptom of a brake fluid leak is finding a pool of light-yellow liquid under your vehicle, especially around your wheels, but your car will alert you in other ways, too. The first sign of brake trouble should be the appearance of your brake warning light on your dashboard, indicating that you may need a brake system repair and should schedule an appointment with your trusted repair shop.
As the amount of brake fluid in your vehicle decreases, the danger increases. If your brakes feel “soft,” requiring less pressure to engage, or if you can depress the brake all the way to the floor, you may have a severe shortage of brake fluid, requiring brake system repair. Don’t ignore these symptoms, or your brakes could fail altogether, preventing you from stopping and putting vehicle occupants (and others on the road) in danger.
WHY IS MY BRAKE FLUID LEAKING?
In addition to brake fluid, a vehicle’s brakes consist of a closed system, including a brake pedal, brake lines, various cylinders, links, pistons, switches, and a reservoir. Brake fluid can leak from a variety of these components, and a shortage of brake fluid negatively impacts the pressure in your system, potentially leading to brake failure.
Most likely, the leak will occur in the brake master cylinder, a brake caliper, the wheel cylinders, or the brake line, or it could result from loose bleeder values or a faulty ABS unit – your automotive service repair professional at Bock Auto will identify the location of the problem during your vehicle’s brake system repair. No matter where the leak is coming from, knowing the symptoms of a brake fluid leak will help you identify the problem so you can reach out for help.
HOW CAN I PREVENT A BRAKE FLUID LEAK?
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” – Benjamin Franklin
Preventing a brake fluid leak begins with a regular maintenance schedule. During each service or repair, the technician at Bock Auto will perform a complete visual inspection of your brake components and will check the condition of the brake fluid. Still, even when taking precautions, leaks happen. Since brake failure can be life-threatening, it’s important to get your vehicle’s brake system repaired by experts. Give Bock Auto a call today to schedule a maintenance appointment and ensure your vehicle is operating safely.
WHAT DO I DO WHEN MY BRAKE FLUID IS LEAKING?
If you suspect your brake fluid is leaking, do not attempt to drive it. Look under your hood and check the brake fluid reservoir. An empty reservoir means that your brakes have been leaking for a while. Have your vehicle towed to your mechanic for a professional repair. Call Bock Auto today to schedule your brake system repair so we can restore your safety and peace of mind while driving. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
