Q&A for How to Check Brake Fluid

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My brakes don't squeal but my pedal goes to the floor. What is the issue?

Community Answer

You may have bad linkage or the brake fluid may be low on a more modern car.

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Question

Should the engine be hot or cold when I'm checking the brake fluid?

Community Answer

It doesn't matter, although you might feel more comfortable if the engine is cold.

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Question

What color should the brake fluid be?

Logic Johnson Lafontaine

Top Answerer

If it's new, it can be clear or amber. As it gets older, it will turn closer to brown.

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Question

Does it matter what year a vehicle was manufactured when replacing brake fluid?

Community Answer

No. Use dot 4 in a car that calls for dot 4 or dot 3, and never put dot 4 into a car that calls for dot 5 - and vice versa.

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Question

I've tested my brake fluid and it's red, what does this mean?

Community Answer

That's probably the result of some kind of contamination. It's supposed to be clear, or maybe beige/gold. You should replace your brake fluid.

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Question

Why does the gas light come on when I press the brake?

Logic Johnson Lafontaine

Top Answerer

Either you have a weird electrical problem that causes your brakes to trigger the wrong indicator, or it could be something really simple, like a low gas tank. If your fuel level sensor is at the back of the tank, then when you brake, the fuel will slosh towards the front of the tank and make the sensor think the level is near empty.

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Question

Is it okay if my break fluid is decreasing?

Community Answer

No, you should replenish it or take your car to a mechanic if it is constantly leaking.

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Question

When braking my truck, I have to continue to press harder to keep it stopped. What could be wrong and how do I check it?

Community Answer

Check to see if your truck's brakes also screech or have a high pitched squeal when you brake. If this happens, your brake pads may be worn out. If this isn't he case, open up the hood, and check your brake fluid level. (If you have to, look in your manual to see where it is and how to check.) If it's low, add more to the fill line, you also may want to do a brake fluid change. If the fluid is dark or black, the brake fluid should be a brown color.

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Question

Is 3 percent water in the brake fluid a major problem?

Community Answer

Yes, this can potentially be a big problem for you in the long run.

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Question

Why does the handbrake warning remain lit up even after I released down the handbrake?

Community Answer

This could be due to low brake fluid or the brake pads or both. Sometimes it is about very low tire pressure.

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