How to Check Brake Fluid
Maintaining your brakes in GREAT NECK is critical not only to your safety, but the safety of other drivers on the road. One way you can ensure that brakes are functioning properly is to check your braid fluid on a regular basis. If you’re curious about how to check brake fluid, this helpful step-by-step guide by the service experts at North Bay GMC will walk you through all you need to know about checking brake fluid and more!
What is Brake Fluid and What Does it Do?
If you’re driving a 2021 GMC Yukon in Flushing, you’re already getting a stylish and powerful vehicle that offers the best in power and technology. The GMC Yukon towing capacity gives you 7,500 pounds of towing capacity at the minimum, with the option of going up to a more impressive 8,400 pounds. Here’s a quick breakdown by trim:
How to Check Brake Fluid: 3 Easy Steps
Find the vehicle’s brake fluid reservoir. You can locate this system on the master cylinder under your car’s hood. Check your owner’s manual to find exactly where it's located.
On the exterior of the brake fluid reservoir you should see “minimum” and “maximum” lines” and you’ll want to check the brake fluid against these lines. If the brake fluid is closer to the minimum line, your brake fluid will need to be replaced.
Look at the color of the brake fluid. If it’s dark brown or black and resembles oil, you’ll need a brake fluid flush. Many Flushing drivers want to know what color is brake fluid normally. New brake fluid should be almost clear or have a yellowish tint, but over time it darkens with dirt and debris. If left unattended, this could impact the performance of your brakes.
Why Do You Need to Change Your Brake Fluid?
Oftentimes Roslyn commuters wonder why brake fluid needs to be changed on a regular basis. Here are a few reasons why brake fluid needs to be changed:
Brake fluid attracts moisture, which can result in your brakes corroding over time. As brake fluid ages over time, it becomes riddled with small particles that can damage other components in the brake system. Systems like ABS and traction control generate heat when they activate, resulting in a shortened lifespan of your brake fluid.
How Often Should You Check Your Brake Fluid?
Your brake fluid should be checked with every oil change, or at least once a year. Brake fluid can last about four to five years, but this can vary depending on the vehicle itself, your driving habits, and the conditions you’re driving in. When you schedule service at North Bay GMC or at an OEM-certified service center, the technicians can check and change your brake fluid.
Visit North Bay GMC for Your Brake Service
Whether you want to check your brake fluid at home, or would like to have service experts take care of this maintenance task for you, the experts at North Bay GMC can help you every step of the way. Also, don’t forget to browse our additional service tips and tricks to gain more automotive knowledge such as what to do if you're in a car accident, in no time!