Just in front of that, sitting on and connected to the brake master cylinder, is the brake fluid reservoir, usually a plastic canister like the one shown here.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nUnscrew the cap of the reservoir.\r\n\r\nOlder vehicles dont have a plastic reservoir; instead, the master cylinder is a little metal box with a lid that you must remove to check the fluid level.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRelease the lid of a metal master cylinder with a screwdriver.\r\n\r\nWhen you put your foot on the brake pedal, the fluid in the master cylinder moves down the brake lines to the front and rear brakes. Leaks may be coming from holes in the lines where the steel lines become rubber ones or where the brake lines connect with the wheel cylinders.\r\nIf you dont have access to a hoist maybe at the auto repair class at your local school or at a friendly garage you have to jack up your vehicle, one end at a time, and get down on the ground with a flashlight or work light to look at your lines.\r\nTo check your brake lines, do the following:\r\n\r\n \t\r\nCheck carefully along the brake lines.\r\nWetness and streaks of dried fluid are signs of trouble.\r\n\r\n \t\r\nIf you see rust spots on your lines, gently sand them off.\r\nAlso look for thin places under those spots that may turn into holes before long.\r\n\r\n \t\r\nFeel the rubber parts of the brake lines.\r\nYou are looking for signs that the rubber is becoming sticky, soft, spongy, or worn.\r\nYour brake lines should last the life of your vehicle. Learn the difference between disk brakes vs. drum brakes. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. 2022 Ace Hardware. Expand your automotive knowledge with our tips and advice. Jiffy Lube has the vehicle maintenance tips you need to keep you on the road. She has appeared on hundreds of radio and TV shows, including NBC's Today show and the NBCNightly News. To check your car's brake fluid, you have to find the reservoir. Our technicians will perform a visual inspection of your vehicles brake system, drain and properly dispose of used brake fluid and replace with brake fluid that meets or exceeds your vehicle manufacturers specifications. Store Dont get grease or oil in your brake fluid; either one may ruin your hydraulic brake system. Its location depends on the type of car you have. Learn how to troubleshoot brake problems and determine whether those problems need professional attention. 3 or D.O.T. This assures that the highest percentage of old fluid as possible is removed and replaced with new fresh fluid. Choose a few times that work best for you: Simply choose date & time option(s) that fit your schedule. Dummies has always stood for taking on complex concepts and making them easy to understand. Have your brake fluid changed every two years. By continuing to browse our website, you agree to use these cookies. Sclar is also the author of Buying a Car For Dummies. ","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/8944"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"
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