How Much Brake Fluid Do I Need – A Comprehensive Answer

How much brake fluid do I need is a valid question if you’re changing (flushing) or topping up your reservoir for the first time. Flushing the car requires 32 ounces (one quart), while half that will be fine for a simple top-up.

In the detailed article below, you’ll discover why and how to fill the reservoir optimally. We’ll also discuss the best time to change the brake oil and the step-by-step procedure.

What Is the Ideal Brake Fluid Amount for Your Car?

The ideal brake fluid amount for your car is anywhere from 16 to 33.8 ounces. The exact amount depends on whether you’re flushing the reservoir or topping it up. Averagely, you require 32 ounces (one quart) of the fluid for a flush and about half that to top up.

Brake oil, also called hydraulic fluid, is critical in keeping a car’s braking system pristine. The fluid must always remain optimal to ensure the maximum effectiveness of the braking system. You must track your vehicle’s hydraulic fluid and top up or change it when needed and as the manufacturer directs. To know the amount you should add, find the brake fluid reservoir and look at the level marks ‘Full’ and ‘Add.’

The former shows the absolute maximum level, while the latter indicates that you must top up. In other words, if the braking fluid is at or below the “Add” mark, you should pour in more fluid until it touches the “Full” mark. Typically, your car needs anywhere from 500 milliliters to 1 liter or between 18.6 and 33.8 ounces. The exact amount will depend on whether you’re doing a flush or just topping off the fluid.

The answer is simple for those asking, how much brake fluid do I need to flush Honda Accord, or how much brake fluid do I need to flush Toyota Corolla? You’ll need 32 ounces or about one quart of the fluid. Avoid going over the maximum capacity when topping up or changing the fluid. The fluid needs room to expand when heated, so overfilling the fluid can cause brake problems.

You can also use the owner’s manual to determine the amount of fluid your specific vehicle needs. The manual has everything you need to know regarding the vehicle’s make, model, and trim level.

Some asked whether the brake oil and power steering fluid could be used interchangeably. The two fluids have different chemical properties, and neither should be poured into the other system. Putting brake oil in the steering system or vice versa will cause mechanical issues to your vehicle. If you accidentally put one in the wrong system, drain it immediately and fill the reservoir with the correct fluid.

When Is the Best Time to Swap Brake Fluid in Your Car?

The best time to swap brake fluid in your car is typically every two years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. You may notice different signs and symptoms when the change is due, including an odd fluid color and illuminated anti-lock braking system light on the dashboard.

It’s common to find car owners remembering to have the pads serviced but neglecting the brake oil. Due to their hygroscopic nature, brake fluids absorb moisture from the surrounding environment, despite being stored in a closed system. Over time, the moisture builds up, leading to rust and severe fluid contamination. When that happens, the fluids decrease their ability to stop a vehicle, increasing crash risk.

Therefore, timely brake fluid change or flush is as vital as a regular top-up. A brake fluid flush means removing all the old, contaminated fluid and replacing it with fresh fluid. The procedure is critical for every car to ensure its brakes work correctly. Fluid flushing should be part of your routine car maintenance.

As stated, manufacturers recommend changing the fluid every two years or 30,000 miles. You can consult a trustworthy mechanic if you need help determining when to swap brake oil for your car. But there are a few signs and symptoms you may observe when your vehicle needs a fluid swap; see more in detail:

Fluid’s Level and Changed Color

Brake oil usually has a light and clear color. If it’s not transparent and looks murky, it’s likely dirty and requires changing. Moreover, if the fluid has fallen below the “Full” level in the reservoir, you must either top off or replace it.

The Fluid Is Leaking

A brake fluid leak could be another sign that the fluid needs to be changed. The fluid may leak from the calipers, master cylinder, or rubber hoses.

It would help if you never ignored leaking

ABS Light Turns On

The ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) light illuminates your dash when there’s an issue within the brake system. For instance, it can come on if the reservoir has a low brake fluid level. So, when you see it, know that something within the brake system doesn’t work right. You should check your fluid first and ensure it’s in ideal condition and at the right level.

The Brake Pedal Feels Too Light

A lack of fluid usually causes brakes to dysfunction. So, if you notice that your brake pedal feels ‘soft’ when braking or touches the floor with little resistance, check the fluid’s level and condition. Change or top it up accordingly because, in the worst-case scenario, the brake may become unresponsive, which is scary and dangerous.

Unusual Noises and Burning Smell

You’re likely to hear odd noises from the engine when you brake the vehicle if the level is below the absolute minimum (below the ‘Add’ mark). The scraping or squeaking noises may indicate that your brake pads are overheating. Sometimes that may be accompanied by a burning smell. Sometimes you may notice uneven wear on the braking pads, indicating a need for more fluid.

Your vehicle will display the above signs to help you identify low fluid. Get the fluid topped up or changed as soon as you notice one or more signs.

What Is the Procedure To Change a Car’s Brake Fluid?

The procedure to change a car’s brake fluid should start with getting the correct fluid type. Next, jack up the car and remove the wheels, then suck up the old fluid from the master cylinder and fill the reservoir with fresh fluid. Lastly, bleed and replace the wheels.

Before discussing further, it’s good to mention how much brake fluid costs. You can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $30 for your car brake oil. If you hire a mechanic and pay between $50 and $120 for labor, the total cost of changing fluid will be $55 and $150.

But you can learn how to change brake fluid on your car and save those bucks you would otherwise pay a professional. See the steps in detail below but first note that changing oil requires more effort than simply topping up the reservoir. It’s a two-person task. So, ensure you have someone to help before starting.

Get the Correct Fluid Type

The most essential step in changing your car’s brake oil is getting the correct product. Unlike what many people think, brake oils are not one-size-fits-all. Thus, it’s wrong to use any random fluid. Different brands advertise premium-level options, which may leave you needing clarification on what type to choose for your needs.

The easiest way to know what fluid your car needs is to check the master cylinder’s cap or your owner’s manual. If your car uses DOT 3 or DOT 4, you can buy an option like the Shoppro DOT 3 Brake Fluid 32oz at Autozone or Valvoline DOT 3 & 4 Brake Fluid. The Castrol DOT4 Brake Fluid 1 Liter and Super Tech DOT 4 Brake Fluid are also good options for cars that use the standard DOT 4.

Also, some cars use DOT 5 fluids. Ensure you have the appropriate fluid type before topping up or flushing. Cars used for heavy off-road conditions can use fluids options like the Prestone Synthetic Brake Fluid or STP Brake Fluid Heavy Duty. As mentioned, please consult your user manual to be sure.

Jack up the Car and Remove the Wheels

Before you begin, park your vehicle on level ground, switch off the engine, and activate the parking brake. It’s rare for the car to roll freely, but it’s good to be safe. Next, using a ratchet and socket, car wheel spanner, or cross nut wheel spanner (whichever is available), loosen the lug nuts on one of the wheels about a 1/4 turn.

After that, raise the vehicle off the ground using your jack, then support it with a jack stand. Once the vehicle is raised, loosen the nuts and remove the wheel.

Fill the Reservoir With Fresh Fluid

Pop the hood and find the reservoir. It’s usually tiny and pale, with a dark-colored cap mounted on the driver’s side at the top corner of the engine bay. Remove the reservoir’s cap and use a turkey baster or siphon pump to suck up the old fluid from the master cylinder reservoir.

The discarded fluid should be disposed of safely as environmental laws and regulations require. Next, fill up the reservoir with new fluid.

How much brake fluid is in a typical master cylinder reservoir?

You’ll put in about 32 oz brake fluid, as discussed, and replace the cap.

Bleed and Replace the Wheels

Each wheel’s brake caliper has a small bleed valve on the back. It’s typically similar to a bolt with a tiny nipple and may have a rubber protective cap. The bleeding procedure should start with the rear wheel on the other side of the reservoir. However, double-check with the owner’s manual to be sure.

Connect the valve to a transparent container (oil catcher) with the tubing. Hold the catcher above the caliper to avoid air entering the brake system via the valve. Loosen the valve slightly, then have someone pump the car’s brakes a few times until they notice some resistance from the pedal. After that, loosen the valve until fluid flows into the catcher.

The bleeding should stop when the pedal is about 2/3 to the floor. It would be best not to allow the pedal to touch the floor as that can damage the brakes. Check the reservoir after the bleeding, and if necessary, add brake fluid to the fill line. Repeat the steps, refilling the reservoir as you proceed until the fluid flowing into the catch is transparent and bubble-free.

If you’re wondering how much brake fluid does a caliper hold, it’s only a tiny amount, and you’ll be through in no time. When finished, close and tighten the bleed valve. Repeat the above steps for the remaining wheels. Once finished, refill the reservoir and replace the cap.

Put the wheels back, carefully lower the car back to the ground, and remember to clean up any fluid spills. Note that the above steps are general for most vehicles and may not accurately apply to your car. Therefore, double-check with your owner’s manual to avoid mistakes.

Conclusion

Whether your car needs a brake oil change or a top-up, this article has helped you understand the amount needed.

Here’s a recap:

• A car needs about one quart of brake oil for flush and about half that for a top-up.
• It would help if you changed your fluid every two years or thirty thousand miles, whichever comes first.
• The most crucial step in changing fluid is to choose the correct type for your car.

We now leave you to put the knowledge you’ve acquired from this article into action. Please don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’ll be flushing the car.

References

https://www.wikihow.com/Refill-Brake-Fluid
https://www.wikihow.com/Bleed-Car-Brakes