We already mentioned the importance of purchasing the correct refill. Look at the manual or on the lid to find the recommended type for your car. You don’t want to risk making a mistake similar to putting the wrong gas in your car.
We all know that sometimes it’s easier to rely on an experienced mechanic to solve even the smallest problem. But some things are completely safe to do on your own because there’s not much you can do wrong. Luckily, adding brake fluid is one of them. In case you don’t know how to add brake fluid to your car, you’re in the right place.
Proper car maintenance is much more than occasional washing and taking care of the interior. Suppose you want your vehicle to be a faithful and reliable companion on many upcoming adventures along some of the most famous routes in the US or just for city driving. In that case, you need to pay attention to some other details as well. If you weren’t paying attention to your driving school classes, here’s a second chance to learn how to add brake fluid to a car.
Before we jump into the how-to part of this guide, we need to start from the basics, the braking system that is. It is essential to maintain it and ensure it is appropriately functioning because it is crucial for your vehicle’s performance and overall safety. Besides replacing some parts when they are worn out, you should regularly inspect the liquid level because that is what helps the entire braking system run smoothly. Every basic braking system consists of:
Once you press the pedal, the master cylinder puts pressure on the liquid, causing it to move since it cannot be compressed. That liquid then travels through pipes to each wheel cylinder or caliper and puts pressure on the shoes, causing the car to stop. So without that liquid, your car won’t be able to stop once your foot applies pressure on the pedal. Testing your braking system from time to time is handy for diagnosing problems early and ensuring everything is working correctly.
Simply said, yes. Although you can take your car to an experienced mechanic to do it for you, this is something you can do on your own without too much hassle. Whether you own some of the most expensive cars in the world or you just bought a used car, the process is quite the same and straightforward.
Bleeding is not a mandatory part of this process, so yes, you can do it without it. Just inspecting the amount of liquid doesn’t require bleeding. Bleeding is something you should do when you completely drain the reservoir and push the brake pedal or when there’s a leak because it lets air bubbles into the lines/pipes. However, it is recommended to do it once in two or three years just to ensure their optimum performance.
A bottle of refill liquid is relatively inexpensive, so if you’re ready to do it yourself, it won’t break your bank. Some local car garages will probably do it as a part of your annual tune-up, but if you pay a visit to your mechanic just to pour in this liquid, expect to pay more for labor. The cost doesn’t depend on the car model.
The best way to identify exactly which type of liquid your car needs is to check it in your owner’s manual. Sometimes you can find this information on the cap of your master cylinder reservoir, so check that as well if you don’t have or can’t find the manual. You should never try to pour in any other liquid as a replacement for brake liquid. It is not how it works. Also, try to stick to the recommended type of refill for your car.
DOT stands for the Department of Transportation responsible for placing regulations and specifications about brake fluid for cars in the US. So when it comes to different types of it, 3 and 4 are both glycol-based, but 4 boil at higher temperatures, which makes it more suitable for vehicles participating in motorsports.
DOT 5 is a silicone-based liquid that doesn’t absorb moisture like the previous two types, and it has the highest boiling point. However, a 5 should never be added to cars specified for 3 or 4 because it could damage the braking system. You can pour in a 4 in a car specified for 3, but not vice versa.
Are you a beginner in driving? Perhaps you still don’t know how to replace U joints, change a flat tire, or use a tire repair kit, but you have to start with something. So today, we are going to show you how to put brake fluid in a car.
We already mentioned the importance of purchasing the correct refill. Look at the manual or on the lid to find the recommended type for your car. You don’t want to risk making a mistake similar to putting the wrong gas in your car.
Your vehicle should be parked on flat terrain to get a real picture. If it is parked on a slope, you can get a wrong reading because the liquid level would be higher on one side. If your vehicle has ABS, you should look at the owner’s manual before doing anything because you might need to depress the pedal.
Turn off the engine and raise the hood to find the master cylinder. It is usually on the driver’s side, in the back of the engine bay. Some models have a plastic protective panel covering it, so you might have to do a bit of disassembling to get full access to the master cylinder. If you’re having trouble finding it, here’s a tip: consult your owner’s manual.
Cover the fender before opening the tank. If possible, don’t wear your nice clothes because opening a fresh liquid container could damage your clothes and car paint. In case the liquid gets in touch with your hands, wash them thoroughly because if it can strip the paint from the metal, imagine how harmful it could be to your skin.
Take an old towel or a cloth to wipe the lid before opening it because you don’t want any dirt or debris to fall into the tank once you open it. In case that happened, you’ll notice that the color of the liquid will change over time and even degrade and damage the braking system. So clean it all thoroughly before opening.
In the vast majority of modern cars, the plastic tank is transparent, and there are easily visible MAX and MIN marks on it. As long as the amount of liquid is above the MIN mark, you’re fine.
Inspecting the tint is another crucial thing to do before actually refiling because it gets contaminated so easily. When it is clear, the shade is lightly golden, like tea, but it gets darker when dirty with a bit of an amber undertone. Do a dip test with a strip, if it is dark, or you can see some debris floating around, there’s no point in refilling because your car needs a flush. Contact your mechanic to drain the system.
In case the amount of liquid is under the MIN mark, and the color is looking good, there are no specks of dirt floating, then it is time for a refill. You should fill it up just a bit under the MAX mark. There’s no need to overfill it because it could spill out and cause damage. You might need to use a small funnel for refilling.
Now carefully wipe the inside of the cap, so it is spotless before you put it back on. Press it down until it falls into its place, and ensure it is well sealed.
After all that hard work is done, it is now time for a test drive to ensure everything is still running the way it should. Go for a spin around your neighborhood; there’s no need to go crazy on an open road like in TV car shows. Once you’re back, inspect the tank again to ensure there’s no leaking and that everything is done correctly.
We’ve explained it all thoroughly and went in-depth about every detail, but we all know that theory is one thing, and practice is something else. Although we can’t really assist you, we can show you a video on how to put in brake fluid, so that you get a complete picture about it and realize there’s no need for driving anxiety when it comes to this simple task.
The low amount of liquid will cause that warning light sign on your table to turn on as a signal that something is wrong. You should take this seriously because this significantly impairs the performance of your braking system. You’ll have to push the pedal much harder to the floor to slow down somehow and stop the car. So this is something you shouldn’t ignore since it can put you in highly dangerous situations.
If you’re looking for a car shipping company to send your car on a road trip, this is something you should inspect before the day of your door to door auto transport. Perhaps you don’t know a reliable mechanic in your new city, you don’t have a spare can of refill, or you just forgot that the amount of liquid is at its minimum due to all the moving stress.
Prepare your car for car shipping with the help of car shipping advice. Before you opt for enclosed auto transport or an open trailer, check all the pros and cons of open and enclosed transport to pick the best solution for your four-wheeler. See what you need to do to register a car after you move and do everything on time.
Brake fluid is essential because it transfers the force from your foot on the brake pedal to the brakes themselves, allowing your car to stop safely. Without enough fluid, braking efficiency drops, which increases stopping distance and the risk of accidents. Over time, brake fluid can absorb moisture, reducing performance. Regularly checking and refilling ensures your braking system remains responsive. This is especially important if you’re preparing your vehicle for a move or a long-distance drive. Keeping proper fluid levels guarantees safety and peace of mind on the road.
You can tell your car needs more brake fluid when the brake warning light turns on or if the pedal feels soft or spongy. Another sign is reduced braking power or longer stopping distances. Check the brake fluid reservoir—if the level is below the “MIN” line, it needs topping up. Low fluid may also indicate a leak or worn brake pads. Before driving long distances or shipping your car, make sure the fluid is at the correct level. Regular inspections help prevent unexpected brake failure during your move or daily travel.
The brake fluid reservoir is usually located near the back of the engine bay, close to the windshield on the driver’s side. It’s a small, translucent container labeled “Brake Fluid” or “DOT.” The cap often lists the specific type of fluid required, such as DOT 3, DOT 4, or DOT 5.1. Checking the owner’s manual can help you confirm its location for your specific car model. Keeping this area clean prevents contamination when adding fluid. Knowing where to find it simplifies regular maintenance, especially before a long trip or relocation.
The type of brake fluid your car needs depends on its make and model, usually specified on the reservoir cap or in the owner’s manual. The most common types are DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1, each with different boiling points and chemical properties. Using the wrong type can damage your braking system. Always stick to the manufacturer’s recommendation for safety and performance. If you’re moving cross-country, using the correct brake fluid helps your vehicle handle various climates and driving conditions smoothly. Choosing the right type ensures consistent braking performance wherever you go.
To add brake fluid safely, start by parking your car on a flat surface and turning off the engine. Clean the area around the reservoir cap to prevent dirt from falling inside. Remove the cap, check the fluid level, and slowly pour in the correct type until it reaches the “MAX” line. Avoid overfilling, as excess fluid can cause pressure issues. Wipe off any spills immediately to prevent paint damage. Following these steps ensures your car’s braking system remains reliable for both everyday driving and long-distance moves.
Overfilling brake fluid can create excessive pressure in the braking system as the fluid expands with heat. This can lead to brake drag, where the brakes remain partially engaged, causing wear and overheating. It might also damage seals or other components over time. Always fill the reservoir just up to the “MAX” line and no further. If you accidentally overfill, remove the extra fluid with a clean syringe or turkey baster. Keeping the correct level ensures smooth, safe braking during your move or commute.
You should check your brake fluid level at least once every few months and change it every two to three years. Over time, moisture and dirt can enter the system, reducing braking efficiency. If you drive in humid areas or are moving across regions with varying climates, check it more often. Always monitor the color—fresh fluid is clear to light yellow, while dark or cloudy fluid indicates contamination. Regular maintenance prevents costly brake repairs down the line. Staying proactive ensures your car’s braking system performs well under all conditions.
You should never mix different types of brake fluid unless specifically stated as compatible by the manufacturer. DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1 are glycol-based and can sometimes be mixed, but DOT 5 is silicone-based and incompatible with others. Mixing fluids with different chemical bases can lead to corrosion and brake failure. Always check your owner’s manual before refilling. If unsure, completely flush the system before adding new fluid. Consistency is key for maintaining safe and reliable brakes, especially if your car will be driven long distances for a move.
Contaminated brake fluid often appears dark, cloudy, or thick. You might notice a spongy brake pedal or reduced responsiveness when braking. Contaminants such as moisture and debris reduce hydraulic pressure and cause corrosion within the system. Regularly checking fluid clarity helps catch this issue early. Before a relocation or road trip, always inspect and replace dirty fluid to ensure full braking power. Clean, fresh brake fluid is critical for safety, especially when transporting your vehicle or driving through varying weather conditions.
Checking brake fluid before moving or shipping your car ensures it’s in safe, working condition for transport. Long-distance travel can strain your vehicle, especially when exposed to changing climates and altitudes. Low or dirty brake fluid increases the risk of system failure during or after transport. Inspecting it beforehand also prevents leaks from being mistaken for shipping damage. A well-maintained braking system makes driving at your new destination safer and smoother. This simple check provides peace of mind for both you and your car shipping company.
