The brake system of your Nissan vehicle utilizes a unique liquid called brake fluid to help stop your car. Like many other elements in your car, the brake fluid must be drained and replaced to ensure the vehicle reacts appropriately and helps you halt during your trips in Streamwood. We’ll go into more detail below, so you know when to bring your car for this maintenance at McGrath Nissan.

Brake Fluid Purpose

Non-compressible, moisture-resistant, and capable of withstanding the high temperatures of bringing thousands of pounds to a stop, the brake fluid in your Nissan is designed to perform many functions. For one thing, it inhibits the development of corrosion in various facets of the brake system without boiling away. The most valuable task it does starts when the driver pushes on the brake pedal of their Nissan Rogue, Kicks, or Sentra. Once that is done, it acts as a hydraulic fluid, flowing through the brake lines and into the calipers. Those components are on each wheel and clamp the brake pads onto the rotors. That action generates the friction so that your car can decelerate on the way to Shady Oaks Park.

Services and Timeline

When you schedule a brake fluid service, it may involve one or several different processes for your Nissan. One of the first actions that our Nissan-trained technicians will take is to place your vehicle on a lift and examine the conditions of the brake lines. That way, we can determine whether you have a leak that needs to be fixed before performing other tasks. Among those services is a brake fluid flush, a process where we remove all of that liquid from your vehicle. Typically, you’ll need to have this performed on your Nissan every 20,000 to 50,000 miles. The liquid will be drained from your car, and then new brake fluid will be introduced into the system. We’ll follow that up by bleeding the brake lines, which removes air from them. Once we’re finished, we’ll return your car to you.

Warning Signs

You can tell when your vehicle needs to have its brake fluid replaced by being mindful of how it reacts when you try to stop. For example, if the brake pedal feels squishy or spongy, then there may not be enough fluid in the reservoir. At the same time, the existing fluid could have been compromised by the presence of moisture. If you slow down as you are pulling into Butterfly Park, it’s possible that you’ll smell a foul odor emanating from the wheels. That’s a sign that the brake fluid is overheating. Lastly, the brake light on your dashboard may come on, which usually means you need to add fluid to the system as a result of a leak. If you have any concerns about your brakes, feel free to contact us!

How Often Does a Nissan Need a Brake Fluid Service?

The average Nissan requires brake fluid services every 20,000 to 50,000 miles, but you should consult your Owner’s Manual for precise details.