Brake Fluid Flush
Having brakes that work well is a life and death matter. But over time, air and fluid vapour can get into your braking system and lessen its effectiveness. If you’ve noticed you have to press your brake down further than usual to stop, or your stopping distance has reduced, that’s a sign you need a brake fluid flush.
This procedure involves opening a small valve to release a controlled amount of fluid, removing the excess air and vapour and restoring correct hydraulic pressure.
While you can bleed your brakes yourself, there are benefits to having a mechanic do it. Without a certain level of skill and the proper tools, you might make mistakes that compromise the safety of your braking system: your car’s most important safety feature.
A mobile mechanic can meet you at a location of your choice for a brake fluid flush. NC Autos are mobile mechanics serving Moreton Bay and North Brisbane from Caboolture to Chermside and out to Warner. With more than 15 years of automotive experience, we can provide you with quality servicing and repairs at a reasonable price, and we back it up with a comprehensive 20,000km – 12 month workmanship guarantee.
How often do you need your brakes bled?
Most automotive experts recommend a brake fluid flush every two years to prevent your brakes from failing. While the procedure is usually performed as part of a major car service, you may need one outside of the recommended schedule if you’ve been experiencing braking issues.
Signs you need a brake fluid flush
The most common signs you’re due to have your brakes bled include:
A soft or spongy brake pedal
If your brake pedal feels soft, loose or bouncy, or you have to push the brake a lot further to the floor than usual to feel something, that’s a sign that there’s air in the gaps in your brake line.
Slow braking speed or reduced braking distance
Your brakes need to be as fast and responsive as possible to keep you safe on the road. If you experience delays or difficulties when trying to stop, the problem could be a few things including warped rotors, worn-out brake pads, low brake fluid, or air or vapour in the brake lines.
Strange noises or smells
Grinding, squealing or other strange noises when braking, or a burning smell after you brake, can indicate issues with your brake fluid.
What happens if you don’t bleed your brakes?
If you neglect to bleed your brakes, your braking issues will steadily get worse. Some of the problems you’re likely to experience are:
- Decreased braking power.
- Longer stopping distance.
- Uneven brake pad wear and tear that requires more repairs and maintenance.
- Corrosion caused by unchecked moisture in the brake lines, leading to further issues over time.
- Complete brake failure.
What happens during a brake fluid flush?
The most common way to bleed brakes is to perform the procedure manually, using the brake pedals and master cylinder to flood the fluid through an open bleeder screw. It’s necessary to have a smooth hand when you do this so you don’t create turbulence in the fluid that leads to foaming that can cause issues with safety and efficiency. While a brake fluid flush can take varying amounts of time, hiring a mechanic makes the process quicker than doing it yourself, and a mobile mechanic can fit it into your schedule.
Here’s the general process that takes place when a mechanic bleeds your brakes:
- The mechanic lifts your car with a hoist to gain access to the braking system.
- They open your bleeder screw to drain the old fluid out of your master cylinder, letting each brake bleed out in the process.
- They place new brake fluid that’s the right type for your vehicle into the system and completely pump it through so it replaces the old fluid.
- They check your braking system for any other signs of damage or wear and tear and let you know how to address it.
- They take your car for a test drive.
You can bleed your own brakes at home, but it typically takes a lot longer unless you have specialised tools like a vacuum pump.
The most common approach is called ‘the Gravity Method’:
- Fill your master cylinder reservoir with fresh oil
- Start with the wheel furthest away from the master cylinder and loosen the brake cylinder’s bleed screw.
- Leave for at least an hour and then close the bleeder and top up the master cylinder with fluid.
- Repeat the process for every wheel.
Book a brake fluid flush
with NC Autos
NC Autos offers a brake fluid flush as part of our car service procedure, but we can also provide it outside your regular service schedule if you need it. Call 07 5208 8962 or make an online booking with NC Autos.
At NC Autos, we provide expert brake fluid flush services to ensure your vehicle’s braking system remains safe and responsive. Whether you’re driving through the busy streets of Chermside, navigating the growing suburbs of Warner, or commuting in and out of Caboolture, maintaining your brake fluid is essential for optimal performance. Over time, brake fluid absorbs moisture and loses effectiveness, which can lead to reduced braking power and increased wear. Our experienced technicians use top-quality fluids and precision equipment to flush and replace your old brake fluid, giving you peace of mind on every journey across Queensland.