Brake Fluid change & replacement made easy

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Top Mechanics For Brake Fluid Change & Replacements

88 Reviews

Garage in Walsall, 25 years of experience

Our experts will ensure that your car is professionally serviced to enable you to enjoy safer driving when you’re on the road.

1487 Reviews

Garage in Darwen, 14 years of experience

I started my apprenticeship when I left school at the age of 15. I’ve been fully qualified for 11+ years with NVQ level 1, 2 and 3. I’ve been an MOT tester for 10 years. Here at Jamie’s mobile mechanic w...

SARAH 6th December 2024

Peugeot 3008 Crossover • Additional work following previous booking

Garage in Leicester , 7 years of experience

If you’re looking for affordable quality work carried out by skilled, qualified and experienced technicians and delivered with great customer service in Leicester then you’re in exactly the right place- ABBE...

30 Reviews

Garage in Reading, 6 years of experience

I have worked as a mechanic in multiple garages however i started MK Servicing as a sole trader in 2022. I have since grown the business and the reputation by providing the best possible customer experience....

75 Reviews

Garage in Harrogate , 14 years of experience

Deal with all car repairs and maintenance, based in Harrogate. Multiple years of experience.

32 Reviews

Garage in Dewsbury, 15 years of experience

MOT HUB MOT Centre offer a 6 ramp workshop catering for all makes & models and repairs. We offer MOT's as we are a VOSA MOT test station for classes 4 & 7. The team at MOT HUB are all fully qualified for you...

31 Reviews

Garage in London, 15 years of experience

Max Valeting and Maintenance (JMaxx Autocare) provides comprehensive automotive services, including MOT testing, vehicle servicing, and repairs. Our skilled team is dedicated to ensuring your vehicle receive...

14 Reviews

Garage in Kilmarnock, 16 years of experience

16 years in the trade, cover most work types, happy to help.

4 Reviews

Garage in Wimborne, 10 years of experience

4 Years - Family run Garage 2 Years - Jaguar Land Rover 2 Years - Mercedes-Benz commercial Garage 2 Years - Ford Mobile Technician

202 Reviews

Mobile mechanic in Leeds, 8 years of experience

IMI level 3 IMI level 2 MOT tester Over 10 years experience in the motor trade covering the Yorkshire area.

59 Reviews

Garage in Birmingham, 7 years of experience

Worked in an independent garage for 5 years Currently self-employed Can take on following jobs: - Timing belts/ timing chains - Clutch installation - Diagnostics - Engine work - Suspension wo...

104 Reviews

Mobile mechanic in Chelmsford, 13 years of experience

I started an apprenticeship for the local council where I learnt my craft and gained a lot of qualifications and experience. For the past 2 years I have been self employed carrying out mobile repairs and ser...

47 Reviews

Garage in Elsenham, Bishop's Stortford, 15 years of experience

Mobile Motors Essex Limited covers services, maintenance, repairs, tyres and MOT. We offer both mobile and workshop repairs for your convenience.

170 Reviews

Garage in Aylesbury , 25 years of experience

Daniel Auto Services - deal with everything from servicing, brakes and tyres. All round handyman.

Frequently asked questions about brake fluid change & replacements

Read our answers to questions about brake fluid change costs, symptoms and more.

What is brake fluid?

Brake fluid is a specifically created hydraulic fluid that is used to transfer the force created by pressing down onto the brake pedal into pushing the brake pads (or shoes) against the brake discs.

What does a brake fluid replacement involve?

  • Mechanic will inspect the brake system.
  • Mechanic will advise if other parts of the brake system need replacing too.
  • If necessary, the mechanic will replace the brake fluid and bleed the air from the system.
  • Mechanic will inspect the brake system and, if deemed safe, test drive the car.

Can you change brake fluid yourself?

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a brake fluid change is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.

What are the symptoms of bad brake fluid?

  • If you suspect there is any issue with your brake fluid or are concerns about its age or condition, book an inspection with immediate effect.
  • Whilst there are little outward signs that there is an issue with your brake fluid, you may find that your brakes feel less responsive than they used to.

How long will a brake fluid change take?

A brake fluid change usually takes around 1.5 hours, but can take less or more time. Ultimately, the time that the job will take will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

How often should you replace brake fluid?

Usually, brake fluid is only replaced at the time recommended by the manufacturer. However if there has been damage to the brake system and components such as a brake caliper needing replacement, then it's best to have the fluid replaced as well rather than just bleeding the air out the system.

If you overheat the brakes on a regular basis then the fluid will need changing more frequently in order for it to retain its efficiency.

What happens if you don't change the brake fluid?

Brake fluid is hygroscopic and will absorb moisture over time. The ingress of water reduced the fluid resistance to compression and this will make the brakes inefficient. You may notice a reduction in reaction and could even start to experience more brake fade as the water will reduce the boiling point of the fluid.

Therefore the fluid should be replaced every 5 years at least. Whilst you may not notice any reduction in braking ability, it will have been a very gradual decline and therefore not an immediate, noticeable drop off.

If you make heavy use of your brakes, from your driving style or towing a caravan for example, you may find that your brakes will loose their ability to slow the vehicle. This brake fade is due to the fluid’s boiling point being reached and that has a detrimental effect on its hydraulic properties. So, if you notice smoke coming out the wheels after heavy or prolonged braking it’s quite likely the fluid will have been boiled. Even though it will cool down, it will start to absorb more moisture and its efficiency will be reduced.

How can I extend the life of my brake fluid?

As with most parts of your car, the less pressure you put on any part of your car’s brakes, the longer the fluid remains effective. If you carry heavy loads frequently, or tow a caravan for example, your brake system will come under greater pressure than it would otherwise and as such the quality of the fluid may be reduced by the heat being generated. Therefore, removing unnecessary weight from the vehicle will not only improve your fuel consumption, it will also maintain the efficiency of your brake fluid.

Also consider your driving style. Anticipating the road conditions ahead, keeping your speed as constant as possible, and thereby avoiding sharp braking are all likely to lengthen the interval between brake fluid replacements.

Can you drive with bad brake fluid?

If you suspect there is any issue with your brake fluid or are concerns about its age or condition, book an inspection with a professional mechanic immediate effect. Driving with bad brake fluid can impair brake performance and safety, and can be lethal.

Is a brake fluid flush really necessary?

Changing the brake fluid on a regular basis is very important to maintain braking performance. The fluid should be replaced every 5 years at least (or as per the guidelines of your vehicle's manufacturer). Whilst you may not notice any reduction in braking ability, it will have been a very gradual decline and therefore not an immediate, noticeable drop off.

Is it worth changing brake fluid?

Yes, changing the brake fluid periodically is very important to ensure you can continue braking effectively. Brake fluid is hygroscopic and will absorb moisture over time. The ingress of water reduced the fluid resistance to compression and this will make the brakes inefficient. You may notice a reduction in reaction and could even start to experience more brake fade as the water will reduce the boiling point of the fluid.

Changing brake fluid is a routine repair for all mechanics and can be done both kerbside as well as in the workshop, providing it is safe to do so.

Can you bleed car brakes by yourself?

As the brakes are of course a crucial safety feature of your car we recommend a brake bleed is only carried out by a professional mechanic. If you are not sure if your brakes have been bled properly or if you experience any untoward characteristics in your braking, book a diagnostic inspection immediately and do not drive the vehicle.

How long does it take to bleed brakes on a car?

On average it takes under 1 hour to bleed the brakes on a car. Ultimately, the time will depend on a number of factors like the vehicle make and model and type of braking system.

Can you mix old and new brake fluid?

No, you should not mix old and new brake fluid because it will not work as effectively and there is high risk of contamination. The old brake fluid will have lost some of its performance due to general degradation and debris entering the system. Adding new brake fluid will not be able to offset the bad quality of the old fluid and overall the fluid will be contaminated. A professional mechanic or garage will carry out a full fluid flush to clear the old fluid before replacing it with the new liquid.

What are signs of low brake fluid?

Some common signs of low brake fluid include:
* Brake warning light on the dashboard is illuminated
* Unresponsive brake pedal - or it takes longer to brake
* Noisy brakes or brake pads vibrating
* Discoloured brake fluid

Does brake fluid go bad?

Yes, brake fluid does go bad and should be replaced every at least every 5 years at least. If you notice your brakes feel “mushy,” this is usually an indicator that your brake fluid needs to be replaced.

What colour is brake fluid?

New or healthy brake fluid is typically light yellow or amber in colour. As the brake fluid ages, it becomes darker and eventually turns brownish when it has come to the end of its life.

Is dark coloured brake fluid gone bad?

Yes, if you notice the colour of brake fluid has turned brown or black then it is time to replace the brake fluid.

Is synthetic brake fluid better?

Some experts believe that silicone-based (or widely called synthetic) brake fluid is better because it has a higher boiling point and is less likely to absorb moisture. Others believe that Glycol-based brake fluid gets the job done. It is important to remember that Glycol-based brake fluid is hygroscopic in nature (attracts water) and needs to be changed more often silicone-based brake fluid.

Most cars require DOT4 (Glycol-based) brake fluid but make sure to check the vehicle handbook for the recommended type of brake fluid, it's very important to use the recommended brake fluid for your vehicle.

Can I flush my own brake fluid?

No, you cannot flush out the brake fluid yourself unless you have the required flushing equipment that professional mechanics utilise.

Is bad brake fluid an MOT failure?

Yes brake fluid contamination can result in an MOT failure ever since the new changes and checks were introduced in May 2018.

How much does a brake fluid change cost?

On average a brake fluid change costs around £95. Typical prices for can range anywhere from £80 to £120. Ultimately, cost depends on your location, car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. Find out what you could save by having your brake fluid changed by ClickMechanic by selecting your car at the top of this page!

Check out the ClickMechanic price for a brake fluid change. See the averages for different makes below. We consolidate industry standard data with millions of data points to give you the most accurate price. These estimates may include Brake fluid and Brake fluid.

Estimates on average repair costs, such as the above results for a brake fluid change, are based on ClickMechanic's quote data which combines multiple third-party sources. Actual costs may vary. We provide estimates on average repair costs for information only and accept no liability for any inaccuracies or errors. If you think an estimate is incorrect, please contact us to let us know.

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