Should you change your brake fluid when you change your brake rotors?

Brake fluid is used in your hydraulic brake system to transform pressure into force, amplifying your brake power. Brake lines carry the fluid and it’s a sealed system. However, brake fluid is notorious for attracting moisture. Brake lines that carry the fluid around your vehicle can damage over time and let moisture from the air seep in. If not addressed, a build-up of moisture can create rust issues.

Why change brake fluid?

A brake fluid flush is an awesome way to ensure your brakes are working perfectly, as old fluid can hinder their performance. If your car is 10 years or older, you probably need fresh brake fluid. A refresh also prevents corrosion and protects your other brake parts. 

How often should I change my brake fluid?

Although the fluid can definitely get dirty over time, you’d be surprised how long you can actually go between brake fluid flushes! Since the brakes are a closed system, you don’t get as much dirt into the brake fluid as you would into transmission or engine oil. So, you don’t actually need to change it every time you change your brakes. In most cases you can go over 100,000km without changing it, but you should look for signs if it is bad and change it then. 

Signs you need to change your brake fluid

If your ABS light comes on, if you hear weird sounds from your brakes, if your brake pedal is stiffer or softer than normal, you should get your brakes looked at. 

Overall, every 2-3 times you change your brake pads, which is normally only every 2-3 years, you might need to change your brake fluid, but not every time. Look out for unusual sounds and note how your car behaves to see if you need a fluid flush sooner.