Kia Brake Fluid Maintenance: Importance and Schedule

While driving, any kind of fluid problem is bad for your car, but issues with the brake fluid could put you in immediate danger on the road. Without sufficient quantity and quality of brake fluid, your car’s stopping power is suddenly reduced, which could easily lead to a collision. With this in mind, always follow optimal Kia brake fluid maintenance guidelines, as laid out below.

What Does Brake Fluid Do?

Most vehicle fluids serve primarily as lubricants, but brake fluid is different. The most important role of brake fluid is to maintain a high level of hydraulic pressure inside the brake lines. When you press the brake pedal, your foot’s stopping signal shoots instantly along the brake lines to the calipers, carried there by the brake fluid. 

You can see that any kind of brake fluid problem hinders your ability to promptly stop your car. If the fluid grows too old or leaks, the hydraulic pressure diminishes, and you can no longer stop your car as reliably as before. 

Have Your Brake Fluid Checked Twice a Year

Always use good quality brake fluid, as recommended in your owner’s manual. Also, have your brakes inspected twice a year, if not more frequently. A full brake inspection will include an examination of each brake line under the hood and beneath your car. The fluid will also be checked and topped up or flushed if required, and each part of the braking system will be analyzed for indications of wear and tear. 

Signs of Leaking Brake Fluid

While on the road, always pay attention to how your brakes feel. Does the pedal feel firm underfoot and is your car slowing and stopping promptly? If you ever suspect weakening brakes or the pedal feels softer and a little spongy, you might have a leak in one of your brake lines. 

As it’s clearly unsafe to drive with a brake fluid leak, you should pull over carefully and call a trusted technician to help you find and fix the leak. The brake fluid will also need to be topped up once again before your car is safe to drive.

Further Symptoms of Fluid Problems

If your brake fluid is low, leaking, or deteriorating because of age, you’re likely to see the brake warning light appear on your dashboard; this is one warning light not to be ignored. It’s also possible that your car will also pull to one side if the fluid issue impacts one braking mechanism more than the others. 

Has it been more than six months since your last brake inspection? Visit Coughlin Kia of Lancaster in Lancaster, OH, to have your brake fluid checked and topped up or changed. Whatever your vehicle maintenance or repair needs, our seasoned technicians can keep your car running like new for many years to come. 

Tags: brake fluid schedule, Coughlin Kia of Lancaster service, Kia brake care, Kia brake fluid maintenance, Kia Service Tips
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