After ages of deferring this very important task, you finally decided to check your brake fluid. Something doesn’t quite seem right though, does it? The fluid is green so you must be wondering what this could possibly mean. Well don’t get flustered, this article will explain what that green fluid means, and what you can do to prevent it from ever happening again.
Vehicle fluids have a standard life and will need to be replaced at certain intervals. How often you replace them depends on the vehicle manufacturer, driving style, and type of fluid used.
It usually needs to be replaced every two years or 38,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. If you drive in a very dusty, dirty environment, it is recommended that vehicle owners replace the fluid every year. In even more severe conditions, vehicle owners should change it every six months or 19,000 kilometers.
It is typically clear with a slight yellowish tint, depending on what kind of brake pads are used in the vehicle the fluid's age, and the brand. The color can certainly change as well if there have been any problems with the brake system.
If you have discovered that your brake fluid IS green, the most likely reason is that it has been contaminated by the fluid chemical components breaking down and attacking the brazed joint in the brake tubing. To put it a bit simpler, if copper levels are high enough in the fluid, the fluid will typically turn green. This is often caused by brakes that are not checked regularly enough or by the incorrect replacement of brake pads.
Another reason the fluid could turn green is that moisture has infiltrated the system. The fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts and holds water molecules. As the water content in it increases, the boiling point decreases, which can lead to brake fade – a condition where the brakes don't work as well as they should because they've overheated.
If your car's fluid turns a color other than what is typical for the type of brake system you have (most commonly, clear), it is definitely a cause for concern.
Generally, brake fluid is able to be flushed and refilled. The first thing you need to do is find a brake specialist who can test the integrity of your vehicle's hydraulic braking system. They will determine what's causing the green fluid and whether it needs new parts. If no damage has been done, then the vehicle should be fine after a fluid flush and refill.
However, if the brakes have been compromised, it's important to take your vehicle in for repair as soon as possible. Continuing to drive with contaminated fluid can lead to serious and expensive damage.
Be sure to keep an eye on your fluid levels, and change them according to your vehicle manufacturer's guidelines. Additionally, have your vehicle serviced regularly to avoid fluid contamination in the future.