A brake flush is a service in which the brake fluid is flushed from the brake master cylinder, through the brake line, hoses, calipers, and then the fluid is expelled out through the brake bleeder screws.
During the brake flush, the dirty brake fluid that is getting flushed is replaced by new brake fluid.
How often should I flush my brake fluid?
Vehicle manufactures recommend to flush brake fluid every 2-3 years or every 24,000 - 36,000 miles. A brake fluid flush is recommended often because the brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means, it will absorbs moisture from the air.
The more moisture that the brake fluid absorbs, the less effective the brake fluid will be in dealing with heat and protecting the brake components.
How much does a brake fluid flush cost?
Brake fluid flush cost will range from $95 - $225 based on the type of fluid and the type of vehicle.
Normal passenger cars will cost less because they typically use DOT3 brake fluid while high end performance vehicles use DOT4, DOT5, and DOT5.1 brake fluid, which will cost more money.
What type of brake fluid does my car take?
The type of brake fluid that most vehicles use are DOT3, DOT4 DOT5, or DOT 5.1. The two simplest ways to determine what brake fluid your vehicle should use during the brake flush are:
- Check the cap on the brake master cylinder for writing which indicates the type of brake fluid that is required.
- Check vehicle’s owner manual to determine the type of brake fluid that is required during a brake flush.
Do you have other brake flush related questions?
If you have any further brake flush questions or would like some help with brake repair or service, please feel free to call us at 650-946-1856, text us at 650-750-8233, or make an appointment.
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Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as advice for your particular vehicle, and should not be relied upon for that purpose. Please consult a qualified automotive maintenance professional to determine the maintenance and repair needs for your vehicle.