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Bad brakes kill! Check your brake fluid

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Have your brakes and brake fluid checked by a professional.
Have your brakes and brake fluid checked by a professional.

HOW long does brake fluid last?

How often should you change your brake fluid?

Dewald Ranft, chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association, an association of the Retail Motor Industry, says this is a common question customers ask workshop mechanics.

The brake system of the vehicle remains one of the most overlooked systems in the vehicle and can be one of the most critical.

Brake fluid is essential for a car’s brakes to work properly. Over time, brake fluid can absorb moisture from the atmosphere which reduces its boiling point and therefore effectiveness. This moisture absorption also compromises the integrity of the brake system components such as the rubber seals and the Anti-lock Braking System.

“Brake fluid is a vital part of the brake system. Customers are right to be concerned about proper maintenance,” he says.

Most brake fluid manufacturers recommend changing brake fluid every 18 months or 60 000km.

Brake fluids are glycol-based DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5.1.

Consumers must be careful NOT to confuse DOT5.1 with DOT 5 brake fluid, which is a silicone based brake fluid that is not compatible with normal roadgoing vehicles.

“Finally,” Ranft says, “Although it is more resistant to deterioration over time, regrettably it does not extend the service lifespan beyond the 18 month period.”

He offers a word of warning, however, saying brake fluid types aren’t easily interchangeable.

However this only applies to non-glycol based brake fluids. Although DOT3, DOT 4 and DOT5.1 can be interchangeable, it is not recommended.

Bad Brakes kill. Do not leave your braking system to chance. Have it professionally checked regularly.

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