let’s talk Brake Fluid

I started with a Vespa GTV 300, then a Honda CTX 700, BMW F-700, BMW R-1200 and lastly an MGB. They all share one thing in common, brake fluid.

Furthermore, since 2012 I have ridden and driven with so many people who just ignore their brake fluids. One person I know has over 150,000 kilometers on their motocycle and has ridden it across north America and only change the brake fluid a few weeks ago for the first time. Vespa riders, BMW riders and many MG drivers do not think that changing out the brake fluid periodically is really a requirement and more of a dealer’s suggested maintenance to make money.

So I thought we should talk about brake fluid.

Your vehicle’s braking system is one of the most critical safety features of your vehicle. It is responsible for bringing your car or motorcycle to a stop in a safe and controlled manner. However, the braking system relies on brake fluid to function properly. Over time, brake fluid can degrade and lose its effectiveness, which can compromise the safety of your vehicle. Here’s why you should change your brake fluid every 2-3 years:

Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means it can absorb moisture from the air over time. This moisture can cause the brake fluid to become contaminated and reduce its boiling point. When the boiling point of brake fluid is reduced, it can cause the brake pedal to feel spongy, decrease the effectiveness of the brakes, and increase the stopping distance. Changing your brake fluid every 2-3 years can help prevent moisture buildup and ensure that your brakes are working properly. Also, since it is a slow process, it is hard for the driver/rider to pick-up on any change of brake performance since it degrades gradually.
Brake fluid can become contaminated with debris Over time, brake fluid can become contaminated with debris and particles from the braking system. This can cause the brake fluid to become less effective and reduce the stopping power of your brakes. Changing your brake fluid every 2-3 years can help prevent debris buildup and ensure that your brakes are working at their optimal performance. A good flush every two years keeps the overall braking system clean.
Brake fluid can corrode the braking system. Brake fluid contains corrosive properties that can damage the braking system over time. If the brake fluid is not changed regularly, it can cause corrosion to the brake lines, calipers, and other brake components. This can result in costly repairs and compromise the safety of your vehicle.
Regular maintenance can save you money in the long run. Replacing your brake fluid every 2-3 years is a relatively inexpensive maintenance task that can save you money in the long run. By maintaining the effectiveness of your braking system, you can avoid costly repairs and potential accidents.

In conclusion, changing your brake fluid every 2-3 years is an important part of your vehicle’s routine maintenance. It can help prevent moisture buildup, debris contamination, corrosion, and ensure the optimal performance of your brakes.