Brake Fluid Change
Book your Replacement Brake Fluid Appointment at Kwik Fit
Over time, your car's brake fluid absorbs water content which can lead to brake failure. Vehicle manufacturers recommend that you change your brake fluid every two years so that your brakes work to their optimum performance. At Kwik Fit , we offer a brake fluid replacement service which involves a flush of the existing diluted brake fluid plus brand new replacement brake fluid. To book your brake fluid replacement, visit your local centre or book an appointment online.
Please enter your vehicle registration below and click 'Search'.
Please note: brake fluid change on hybrid/electric vehicles is currently available at selected centres only.
Why is brake fluid important?
Brake fluid plays a crucial role in your braking system as it transfers the force created when a driver presses the brake pedal directly onto the wheel hub.
Heat generated under braking, especially under heavier braking or prolonged braking, may affect the brake fluid which can only work if it is liquid and not so hot that it has become vapour. Therefore the boiling point that your brake fluid can achieve is critical to efficient braking as temperatures above the boiling point form vapour bubbles in the system, potentially resulting in brake failure.
In addition, the brake fluid serves as a lubricant of all movable parts and prevents corrosion. It has to be compatible with rubber seals and hoses thus allowing braking systems to achieve long service and optimal performance.
What is included in a brake fluid change?
Our trained brake technicians will use a pressure bleeder to perform the brake fluid change – this pumps a constant supply of new fluid under pressure into the brake fluid reservoir to avoid air getting into the hydraulic system. Starting with the brake in most need of attention (the most contaminated) and then moving around the vehicle in a sequence depending on the braking system fitted, the old fluid is then bled out at the bleed nipple on each brake, until clean fluid is seen in the bleed bottle. The new fluid pushes out the old fluid, which is then disposed of.
On most modern vehicle the use of a diagnostic tool is also required, to enable a bleed function on the ABS controller, to ensure that all the old fluid is purged from the different pathways and valves within the ABS pump. At Kwik Fit, we use a high specification DOT4+ fluid that has been designed to meet the demands of modern electronic stability control systems.
You will also receive a free comprehensive brake check when you book your brake fluid change online which includes an inspection of your key brake components to ensure they are working effectively.
How much does brake fluid change cost?
Brake fluid replacement costs just £49.95 when you book online. Whether you drive a supermini, family car or a large off-road 4x4, our brake fluid change price is the same for all vehicle classes. Replacement brake fluid is available at Kwik Fit centre’s across the UK and should take up to 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete and double check, which includes our free comprehensive brake check.
Brake fluid and vehicle servicing
Did you know that changing car brake fluid is not typically included in a vehicle service? That’s why it is important to make sure your brake fluid is in good condition and replaced regularly to reduce the chances of brake failure. At Kwik Fit, both our interim service and full service packages include a check on your brake fluid to ensure that the boiling point and general condition is acceptable. In addition, if you know you vehicle needs replacement brake fluid, you can add this as an additional extra at checkout when you purchase your service online.
How often should you change brake fluid?
Manufacturers suggest different intervals for a brake fluid change but, in general, the recommendation is that this is carried out at least every two years. Check your vehicle manual for specific guidance for your make and model of vehicle. Maintaining the recommended schedule for changing your brake fluid helps to prevent brake failure as brake fluid can deteriorate in quality over time. Remember – brake fluid is checked during a service (both interim and full) for its general condition and to ensure its boiling point is adequate, but it will not be replaced as part of the service.
Why does brake fluid deteriorate?
Brake fluid has hygroscopic properties - meaning that it absorbs moisture during its life in your car through the pipes, hoses and joints that it lubricates. As the water content in the brake fluid increases, the temperature the liquid boils at decreases. The boiling point can be significantly reduced by water contamination which will have a negative effect on your braking ability.
Whilst regular servicing of your vehicle will include checking the boiling point of your brake fluid, vehicle manufacturers recommend that you change your brake fluid at least every two years if not sooner (check your vehicle handbook for details). Changing brake fluid when recommended prevents brake failure and maintains the boiling point at a safe level.
The table below shows how the boiling point of DOT 4 ESP Brake Fluid can be severely reduced when it is ‘wet’ (i.e. contaminated with water) compared to when it is ‘dry’ (i.e. no water content like when the brake fluid is brand new)
| Dry boiling point (°C) | Wet boiling point (°C) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| DOT 4 Standard | DOT 4 ESP Brake Fluid |
DOT 4 Standard |
DOT 4 ESP Brake Fluid |
| 230 | 266 | 155 | 171 |
