Brake Fluid Exchange

Why Does Your Kia Require New Brake Fluid?

Brake fluid is a hygroscopic substance, meaning that it actively absorbs moisture from the surrounding area. Given that your vehicle’s brake system is composed of parts made from aluminum or steel, these parts will begin to develop corrosion when your brake fluid has absorbed too much moisture. The boiling point of your brake fluid will also be much lower, leading to potential dangers caused by hot brakes. If too much corrosion develops, your calipers and wheel cylinders may begin to seize, reach high temperatures and generate smoke, or fail, in the worst cases. Fortunately, there are some pretty obvious signs that your Kia needs a brake fluid exchange.

The Kia Brake Fluid Exchange Process

Your brake fluid container should be the first place you look. If you can see that the originally-clear liquid is becoming brown, that means that corrosion is likely occurring. If you notice a slight decrease in stopping power, if your brakes tend to lock up, or if you notice that your brakes get really hot, you’ll definitely want to have your fluids exchanged. A lot can depend upon your driving style, too, and whether you’re driving mostly city or highway miles. If most of your driving is done in the city, you’ll likely need your brake fluid exchanged more often than someone who is spending most of the time in their vehicle on the highway. A good rule of thumb is to have your brake fluid flushed every 30,000 miles or every 2 - 3 years, but you should have a brake fluid exchange performed if you have new brake pads or shoes installed.