Posted on 7/25/2025
Brake fluid may not receive as much attention as engine oil or tire maintenance, but it plays a crucial role in your vehicle's safety and performance. Without it, your brakes wouldn’t work at all. Over time, brake fluid can become contaminated or lose its effectiveness, and neglecting to replace it regularly can lead to serious problems. Understanding what happens if you skip this important maintenance step helps you make better decisions to protect your car and yourself. What Does Brake Fluid Do Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that transfers the force from your foot on the brake pedal to the brake components at each wheel. When you press the pedal, the fluid creates pressure in the brake lines, which squeezes the brake pads or shoes against the rotors or drums to slow and stop your car. Because braking generates heat and pressure, brake fluid must maintain a high boiling point and resist absorbing moisture to perform effectively. Brake Fluid Abs ... read more