Regarding brake fluid. I've heard one philosophy - when you see your brake fluid below 2/3 of the FULL line, you should fill it back to the full line. But I've heard others say you should never add brake fluid as the level gradually and naturally decreases as the pads wear and adding fluid will prevent the dashboard sensor from triggering when your pads become too low. Which is the best way to deal with brake fluid?
Never let your fluid get too low.. Also, if your fluid level is going down that much you have a leak somewhere.
As your pads and brake linings wear, you will notice some decrease in brake fluid level. Dont let it get below the fill line.
You should, IMO, change out the brake fluid every 2-3 years. It DOES become hydrated from the air, and therefore somewhat more corrosive. Some systems are very sensitive to corrosion, re Teves. To let it go too far can cost you THOUSANDS. Changing the fluid is relatively cheap, and helps insure that your brakes will work and that the corrosive attack on expensive brake components is minimal.
The idea is to NOT let the idiot lights turn on in the first place! You would not let the oil light turn on before adding oil. Thats not a very good idea. The brake fluid level light has nothing to do with pad wear. Its for low fluid level.
Well.... it depends on the kind of car you're talking about...
In general it's better to have it full since you have less air in the top of the reservoir.
--scott
The dashboard sensor should NEVER be used to gauge when pads need to be replaced.
Keep the fluid topped off.
Keep the brake fluid filled to the full line.If it gets too low, air will get into the lines.Not good at all for the brakes. cuhulin.
AFAIK, the best wear indicator is periodic visual inspection. The second best one is the audible wear indicators built into the pad. The dashboard light indicates that the hot smelly puffs of air at the back of your neck might be the breath of something that will eat you unless you take action very soon.
You don't really *need* to top off brake fluid as long as the reservoir level is between the minimum and maximum lines. (Remember, the translucent plastic jug is a reserve; the actual working fluid is in the metal master-cylinder assembly underneath. The idea is to keep the intakes in the master cylinder submerged at all times, so as not to suck in air.) It is normal for the level to go down a little as the pads and shoes wear, and the calipers or wheel cylinders have to push the pistons out further and further.
But that's a long term thing. What you're watching for in your (hopefully!) monthly or better nosing around under the hood is a significant drop in the level. In that case you must go looking for leaks (most likely: at the wheels), because it's supposed to be a closed system. If you notice that something suddenly feels weird about the brakes, that too should send you (or your mechanic) on a search mission promptly.
When you get the vehicle back from a brake job, the reservoir should be filled with nice clear pale-yellow brake fluid up to or near the Full line. That's a good baseline for keeping an eye on things.
I suggest exchanging your brake fluid (if you know how) or having your mechanic do it every few years as part of good routine maintenance. The "bleeding" part of this exorcises any air bubbles and also compels a good up-close-and-personal look at the brake part of each wheel, so you can spot anything that has gone awry or seems likely to.
Cheers,
--Joe
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