When you drive your vehicle, you want to be sure that the brakes are working correctly. If they are not, you will not be able to control your car, which can lead to an accident. To ensure the brakes are working correctly, you should know how to maintain a good Brake Fluid Reservoir.
Check the brake fluid level.
If your brakes start to feel spongy, you may have air in the system. You will need to flush the system and check engine dress parts.
During regular operation, you should never run out of brake fluid. Brake fluid is very toxic; if it reaches dangerously low levels, it can be a life-threatening safety hazard.
A simple way to check the brake fluid level is to remove the cap from the reservoir. Many newer vehicles have translucent caps that allow you to see the fluid level. You will need to unscrew the metal reservoir cap to access the fluid in older vehicles.
While checking the brake fluid, cleaning the reservoir cap is also a good idea. This keeps the juice fresh and clean. It will also prevent contaminants from entering the reservoir.
Another reason to check the brake fluid is to see if your braking system is leaking. If your brakes start to show signs of leaks, it is time to call in a professional mechanic. They will be able to determine whether or not there is a leak.
Before you start to inspect your brake fluid, make sure to wear protective gloves. Remember to wear sunglasses. As you check your vehicle’s brake system, you should never forget to park it on a level surface. Otherwise, you could end up with a nasty spill on your hands or eyes.
Bleed the brakes
Bleeding brake fluid reservoirs can be done manually or using a vacuum bleeder. This process is cheaper than pressure bleeding. It is also less messy.
The first step in the process is to remove the master cylinder reservoir cap. A small turkey baster works well for this job. Next, place a clear plastic hose over the bleeder screw. You can use a hand-operated vacuum gun if a turkey baster is too big.
Before you start, you should clean the caliper and the brake fluid reservoir. This will reduce the possibility of cross-contamination. You can also use heavy-bearing grease to help prevent deceptive bubbling.
Once the reservoir is cleaned, you can start filling it with new brake fluid. You will need about 16 ounces. Use a small, disposable bottle to hold the liquid. When you have finished, close the bleeder.
Before you begin bleeding, it is essential to check the fluid levels in the master cylinder reservoir. This will ensure that the caliper will not be overfilled. Otherwise, the system will not be adequately bled.
After the caliper bled, the master cylinder should be pulled out to eliminate the excess fluid. You may need to do this a couple of times.
Dispose of excess brake fluid.
If you have spare brake fluid reservoirs in your vehicle, you need to know how to dispose of them. These reservoirs are essential to the functionality of your vehicle’s brake system. Unfortunately, they can also be hazardous if they are improperly disposed of.
The first step is determining whether your local municipal or private waste disposal facility will accept used brake fluid. Some will, while others may not. Of course, you can always call your local auto supply store to inquire about the procedure.
Once you have determined that a waste disposal facility will accept your used brake fluid, you need to get it to them. Some will offer free drop-off, while others will charge a fee. To get the best deal, research a disposal center near you.
Brake fluid is a flammable substance. Therefore, you should never pour it down the drain. In addition, it should be kept away from pets and children.
There are many places to dispose of old brake fluid safely. Depending on the type of fluid, you can dispose of it in a landfill, a recycling facility, or as hazardous waste.
When disposing of used brake fluid, you will want to ensure that you do not pour it into a septic tank. This can pollute the groundwater.