The brake system in your car consists of several automotive hydraulic systems. When you press the brake pedal, fluid is sent through the brake hose from the master cylinder to the drum or disc brakes, and slows rotation with friction. To make sure the system is working properly, you need to have enough brake fluid to do its job properly.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Check the Brake Oil Level
Step 1. Open the hood
The best time to do this is when the car is stopped on a level ground and the engine is cold.
Step 2. Locate the master cylinder
In general, the master cylinder is located at the rear of the engine bay, on the driver's side. There's a tube on top of that cylinder.
Step 3. Check the liquid level in the tube
On newer cars, the tube is transparent in color with a line marked "min" and "max" and the liquid must be between the two lines. Cars prior to 1980 may have a metal tube, which requires you to open the lid first to check the height. (The new lid can be turned by hand, while the old tube cap may require the help of a tool to open it).
Step 4. Add brake fluid to the tube if necessary
Pour carefully, wiping up oil spills if any, as they are toxic and corrode.
Only use brake oil with DOT specifications according to the needs of your car. There are three specifications, DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5, each of which has its own qualities. Using DOT 4 oil on cars with DOT 3 requirements is allowed, but not if it's the other way around. And DOT 5 can only be used for cars that require DOT 5
Step 5. Replace the tube cap and close the hood again
- If the brake fluid is well below the minimum line, you should check your brake system for leaks. If your brake pads are worn, brake fluid may leak.
- It's also possible, when the brake oil is full, but the oil can't reach the master cylinder. If you feel your brakes are not working even though the oil is full, have your car checked at a repair shop.
Method 2 of 2: Checking Brake Oil Condition
Step 1. Check the brake fluid color
Usually, brake fluid is brown in color. If the oil is dark or black in color, it may need to be replaced, but needs to be tested first.
Step 2. Dip the chemical paper in the tube
If the brake fluid is old, corrosion can cause damage. The chemical paper is to check the copper content in the brake fluid, the higher the content, the higher the wear. One of the test kits is the "Brake Strip Brake Fluid Test Strip" from 'Phoenix system'
Step 3. Check humidity with an optical refractometer
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture. Moisture will weaken the performance of the brake fluid, which causes the brakes to work weakly due to corrosion. In 18 months, brake fluid can contain 3 percent water, which lowers the boiling point by 40-50 percent.
Step 4. Check the boiling point of the brake fluid with an electronic gauge
DOT3 brake fluid has a boiling point of 401 degrees Fahrenheit (205 degrees Celsius), and DOT 4 boiling points are 446 F (230 C) when dry and 311 F (155 C) when wet. The lower the boiling point, the less effective it is.
