Are you wondering if your car should be on or off when adding brake fluid?
“No, the car should not be running when adding brake fluid. Ensure the engine is off and the car is parked on a level surface before performing this task. Adding brake fluid with the car off prevents moving parts from causing accidents and ensures an accurate fluid level reading. Keeping the car off also minimizes the risk of introducing air or contaminants into the brake system.”
Three Reasons Why Your Car Should Be Off When Adding Brake Fluid
It’s necessary to keep your car off when adding brake fluid.
This ensures safety, helps you get an accurate reading of the brake fluid level, and protects the brake system from damage.
Let’s break down the reasons why this is so important.
Safety Concerns
When the car is running, parts of the braking system might move unexpectedly.
For example, the brake system could activate if someone presses the brake pedal.
This can be dangerous, especially if your hands are near moving parts.
Additionally, a running car increases the chances of spills, and brake fluid is highly corrosive, it can damage other car components or even cause harm if it comes into contact with your skin.
Accurate Brake Fluid Levels
Brake fluid levels can fluctuate when the engine is running.
If you try to add brake fluid while the car is on, the reading might not be accurate.
This could lead to overfilling or underfilling the brake fluid reservoir.
For the best results, check and add brake fluid when the car is off and parked on a flat surface.
Protecting The Brake System
Adding brake fluid while the car is running can introduce air bubbles into the hydraulic brake system.
Air bubbles can cause your brakes to feel soft or spongy, reducing their effectiveness.
You also risk letting dirt or other contaminants into the brake fluid reservoir, which can harm the master cylinder and other parts of the braking system.
How Can You Safely Add Brake Fluid To Your Car?
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you add brake fluid the right way.
Step 1: Prepare Your Car And Gather Tools
Before you start, park your car on a flat surface.
Turn off the engine and put the car in “Park” or in gear if it’s a manual.
You’ll need the right type of brake fluid (check your car’s manual for the specific type like DOT 3, DOT 4, or DOT 5), gloves, a funnel, and possibly a cloth or paper towel for cleaning up any spills.
Step 2: Locate The Brake Fluid Reservoir
Now, open the hood of your car.
The brake fluid reservoir is typically near the back of the engine bay, close to the driver’s side.
It is usually labeled, but if you’re unsure, check your car’s manual.
The reservoir cap will often have “brake fluid” written on it as well.
Step 3: Check The Fluid Level
Before adding brake fluid, check the current level in the brake fluid reservoir.
Look at the side of the reservoir, where you’ll see two lines marked “min” and “max”.
If the fluid level is below the “min” mark, you’ll need to add brake fluid.
And, If the fluid is at or near the “max” mark, don’t add any.
Step 4: Open The Brake Fluid Reservoir Cap
Carefully open the cap of the brake fluid reservoir.
Make sure you don’t let any dirt or debris fall into the reservoir, as contaminants can damage the brake system.
Step 5: Add the Brake Fluid
Using a funnel, slowly pour the brake fluid into the reservoir.
Be careful not to overfill it.
The fluid should be just below the “max” line.
Only use the type of brake fluid recommended in your car’s manual, as using the wrong fluid can harm your hydraulic brake system.
Step 6: Close The Reservoir Cap
Once you’ve added the right amount of brake fluid, securely close the brake fluid reservoir cap.
Ensure it’s tightly sealed to prevent any moisture or air from entering the brake system, which can cause problems like air bubbles in brake lines.
Step 7: Check The Brake Pedal
After adding the brake fluid, press down on the brake pedal.
It should feel firm and responsive.
If the pedal feels soft or spongy, there might be air in the brake lines, and you may need to bleed the brakes or consult a professional.
What Should You Avoid When Adding Brake Fluid?
Adding brake fluid is an easy task, but there are some common brake fluid mistakes you should avoid to keep your car’s brake system in good condition.
Here are the key things to watch out for when topping up the brake fluid reservoir:
Using The Wrong Type Of Brake Fluid
Always check your car’s manual to see which type of brake fluid is needed.
Using the wrong type of brake fluid (like DOT 3, DOT 4, or DOT 5) can damage your hydraulic brake system.
Each type has different properties, and mixing them can cause serious issues with your brake lines and master cylinder.
Overfilling The Brake Fluid Reservoir
It might seem harmless to add extra fluid, but overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can lead to brake fluid overflow, which may damage the surrounding parts.
It can also cause brake fluid spills, leading to unsafe driving conditions.
Always make sure the fluid level is just below the max line to avoid this problem.
Allowing Contamination Of The Brake Fluid
Be very careful not to let any dirt, debris, or moisture get into the brake fluid.
Contaminants can cause brake system damage and affect the performance of the brake pedal.
If the fluid gets contaminated, it might cause the brake system to fail, especially in an emergency.
Ignoring Low Brake Fluid Levels
If you notice that the brake fluid levels are low, don’t just add more fluid and forget about it.
Low levels could indicate a brake fluid leak or air trapped in the system.
It’s important to inspect the brake lines for leaks or have a professional check your brake master cylinder to prevent further damage.
Mixing Different Types of Brake Fluid
You should never mix different types of brake fluid.
Each type has different chemical properties, and mixing them can cause chemical reactions that can harm your brake lines or master cylinder.
Stick to the recommended brake fluid type for your car.
Not Tightening The Reservoir Cap Properly
After adding brake fluid, make sure the brake fluid reservoir cap is tightly secured.
If the cap isn’t closed properly, moisture or air can get into the system, which can affect brake performance and safety.