Owning a vehicle requires a little knowledge about maintenance and warning signs of issues to come. There’s no law stating that you have to understand your car, but knowing what’s happening within it can save a lot of money and keep you safe.
We’re going to explore some of the issues around brake fluid today, giving you some insight on what the warning signs of low brake fluid are.
Hopefully, you can avoid the issues that come as a result of low brake fluid and save yourself a good deal of stress and money. Let’s take a look at 5 clear warning signs that you have low brake fluid.
- Anti-Lock Braking System Light
The most common indication that you’re running low on fluid is the appearance of the ABS light. The “Anti-Lock Braking System” light comes on when there are issues with you’re brake system, most commonly when the fluid is low.
You might also notice this light when you’re driving on slippery roads and lose control briefly. In those cases, the light should go away after a few moments. When the light stays on, though, odds are that you’re running low on fluid.
- Tension When Braking
There should be a slight amount of tension when pressing down on your brake pedal. You’ve driven your car long enough to know where the balance is, but it can be hard to notice a change in tension because the shift tends to happen slowly.
When the tension gets noticeably tighter or looser, it’s probably time to change your brake fluid. The tension gets tighter when you’re low on fluid and looser when your fluid has been in there for too long. The brake fluid viscosity changes over time and reduces the tension in the pedal.
- Noises from Break Pads
Your brake pads will suffer from a lack of fluid. Over time, you could hear squeaking, grinding, scratching from your pads. These noises aren’t pleasant by any means, so you’ll want to get them checked out right away.
Aside from the pads, different elements of your brakes will start making noises when fluid is low.
- Unusual Odors
Situations where you’re braking hard and often can put too much stress on your brakes. If there’s enough strain on your brakes, you’ll start to smell a sort of burning odor in the air.
When this happens, be sure to stop your car and allow your brakes to cool down. It’s also a sign that you’ve worked through your brake fluid and should get more whenever possible.
When there’s enough fluid, you should be able to avoid most overheating of the brakes.
- Feeling Changes
The feeling of your brakes is one that you get very used to overtime. If you start to notice slight changes in the way your brakes function, it’s wise to get them checked out.
A short trip to the mechanic for an inspection is sure to be a lot cheaper than the repairs that will come if your fluid is low and you do nothing.
Having Brake Fluid Issues?
Brake fluid is an essential piece of your car’s functionality. We’re here to help you understand more about your car in order for you to properly maintain and use it.
It can be tough, though, and we get that. Explore our site for more simple tips and tricks on car maintenance and how to keep yourself safe on the road.