Brake Fluid - Vehicle Specific

Why is Brake Fluid Important?

Brake fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid that is used in hydraulic brake and clutch applications, and is pressurized by your brake pedal and master cylinder. The pressure generated by depressing the brake pedal is transferred through the brake lines and hoses using brake fluid to operate your brake calipers and wheel cylinders and keep your brakes working as they should. The caliper pistons receive this brake fluid pressure to apply force to your brake pads, causing friction against the rotors to slow or stop your vehicle. Brake fluid also lubricates all moving parts and components in your vehicle's hydraulic braking system, preventing friction and excessive wear. If your ABS light is on, your brake pedal is spongy or falls to the floor, or if you notice a change in braking performance, you may need to check, flush and refill your brake fluid. Brake fluid is also hygroscopic, meaning that over time it can absorb moisture and lose some of its ability to transfer pressure. This can also cause your brake lines to develop internal corrosion, which could eventually lead to failure. Air in the braking system can also cause a reduction in braking performance, as air bubbles in the brake fluid lines result in pockets that are compressed at a different rate than the fluid itself. This is why bleeding your brakesafter a brake repair is so important, and this is also a great opportunity to ensure fresh brake fluid is pumped throughout the system. It is important to check your brake fluid regularly, or as instructed in your owners manual, and make any needed brake repairs as soon as possible to avoid diminished braking performance. If you need to refill your brake fluid, or need to replace or repair any brake system component, O'Reilly Auto Parts carries brake fluid, brake pads, brake hoses, brake lines, and more for most vehicles. To learn more about your vehicle's braking system, check out our How-To Hub resources.