Volkswagen Brake Fluid
We all know that our vehicle’s brakes need to be in perfect working order to keep us, our passengers and other road users safe. But do you know how to keep your braking system in top condition?
At Fergies, we know that an essential part of the braking system is the brake fluid. It lubricates the moving parts, reduces friction and prevents wear and tear, and must be kept in top condition to ensure effective braking.
In this blog post, we will take a look at the role of brake fluid in the Volkswagen braking system, what happens when it becomes contaminated or dirty, and how to check it yourself.
Having said that, let’s begin…
The Role of Volkswagen Brake Fluid
Brake fluid plays a crucial role in the braking system of a VW vehicle. It is a specially formulated hydraulic fluid that transmits the force from the brake pedal to the brake components, enabling efficient and reliable braking performance.
Here are the key roles of brake fluid in a VW braking system:
- Hydraulic Transmission: Brake fluid is responsible for transmitting the force applied on the brake pedal to the brake components. When you press the brake pedal, the brake fluid transfers this force, causing the brake pads to engage with the brake drums, creating friction and slowing down or stopping your vehicle.
- Heat Dissipation: During braking, a significant amount of heat is generated due to the friction between the brake components. Brake fluid has a high boiling point, which allows it to withstand and dissipate this heat effectively. This prevents brake fade and ensures consistent braking performance even under demanding conditions.
- Lubrication and Corrosion Prevention: Brake fluid lubricates various moving parts within the braking system, such as pistons and seals, reducing friction and wear. It also contains additives that inhibit corrosion, protecting the brake system components from rust and deterioration.
- Hygroscopic Properties: Brake fluid has hygroscopic properties, meaning it has the ability to absorb moisture from the surrounding air over time. Moisture in the brake fluid can lead to reduced braking performance, corrosion within the system, and decreased boiling point, potentially resulting in brake failure.
If you want to ensure optimal brake performance, which is crucial for your safety, follow the brake fluid maintenance schedule recommended by Volkswagen for your model, carry out regular inspections and keep to scheduled brake fluid replacement intervals.
Our experts at Fergies can service and maintain your Volkswagen braking system. Therefore, we can save you both time and money by repairing any brake issues before they become major problems. With our services, you get the same quality as your local Volkswagen dealership but with better value.
Want to schedule your brake fluid service? Call us today!
Driving with Low or Dirty Brake Fluid
Driving with low or dirty brake fluid in your VW can be harmful and compromise the overall braking performance and safety of your vehicle.
Here are the reasons why:
- Reduced Braking Efficiency: If the brake fluid level is low, there may not be enough fluid to effectively engage the brakes, resulting in reduced braking power. This can lead to longer stopping distances and compromised vehicle control.
- Increased Risk of Brake Failure: Low brake fluid levels can lead to air entering the brake system. Air compresses under pressure, unlike brake fluid, which is incompressible. This can result in a spongy brake pedal feel and a loss of braking effectiveness, known as brake fade. In extreme cases, it can even lead to complete brake failure, where the brakes do not respond adequately or fail to engage.
- Contaminated Brake Fluid: Over time, brake fluid can become contaminated with moisture, dirt, debris, and brake wear particles. Contaminated brake fluid may lose its ability to properly lubricate and protect the braking system components. It can also lead to corrosion, seal damage, and impaired functionality of critical brake parts, such as callipers, cylinders, and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) components.
- Increased Risk of Overheating: Dirty brake fluid with high moisture content has a lower boiling point. During heavy braking or demanding driving conditions, the heat generated can cause the brake fluid to boil, resulting in vapor lock. Vapor lock creates air bubbles in the brake system, leading to a loss of braking power and an unpredictable pedal feel.
To maintain the safety and performance of your VW’s braking system, it is important to regularly check the brake fluid level and ensure it is within the recommended range.
Additionally, the brake fluid should be flushed and replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals to remove any contaminants and maintain proper functionality.
If you notice low brake fluid or suspect dirty brake fluid, it is best to have it inspected and serviced by a qualified VW technician. Our team here at Fergies can help with all your VW brake fluid needs.
How to Check Volkswagen Brake Fluid
When it comes to brake fluid replacement, it’s vital to have a reputable garage do the job. At Fergies, we can provide you with top-quality brake fluid that is tailored specifically to your Volkswagen’s make and model.
However, checking the brake fluid level in your Volkswagen is a relatively simple task that you can perform yourself, so follow these steps:
- Find a level spot to park your Volkswagen and make sure the engine is turned off.
- Look for the brake fluid reservoir. It’s usually on the driver’s side of the engine compartment and labeled with “brake fluid” or a brake symbol. It’s a see-through plastic container.
- Before opening the reservoir, give the top a quick clean to make sure no surrounding dirt or debris falls in.
- Check the fluid level. The reservoir has marks that show the minimum and maximum levels. The brake fluid should be between these marks. If it’s near or below the minimum mark, it means you need to add more fluid.
- Take a moment to inspect the fluid’s color. Brake fluid is typically amber or slightly yellow. If it looks dark, cloudy, or contaminated, it may be time to have it replaced by a qualified technician.
- If the brake fluid level is low, add the correct type of brake fluid recommended by Volkswagen (check your owner’s manual). Pour it into the reservoir until the fluid reaches the maximum mark.
- Make sure to securely close the reservoir cap when you’re done.
There are a number of newer VW models that are equipped with an electronic brake fluid level sensor. If your vehicle has this system, then this is how you check it:
- Start your engine and let it idle for a few minutes.
- Check the steering wheel or instrument cluster for a button or control that cycles through the menu.
- By using the button or control, you can view the brake fluid level on the electronic dashboard display.
- This will now show you the percentage or bars of brake fluid in your brake system.
- Having brake fluid levels below the minimum threshold may indicate that brake fluid levels are low and need to be topped up.
Refer to the owner’s manual that came with your Volkswagen for information on checking the brake fluid level. Your specific model will be covered in these instructions and considerations.
Remember, if you ever feel uncertain or you would prefer some professional help, call our team of VW experts at Fergies. They’ll be happy to help you with any questions or concerns with your brake fluid.
In Summary
The brake fluid in your Volkswagen needs to be kept in good condition in order for the braking system to work properly. Clean brake fluid at the correct level will keep the system components lubricated and protected from corrosion.
Low or contaminated brake fluid could lead to costly repairs through damage to critical parts such as brake lines, callipers, and master cylinders. Dirty brake fluid can affect the function of the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) too, which prevents wheel locking while braking on challenging surfaces. Regular checks of your VW’s brake fluid will mean you can avoid these potential issues.
Regardless of whether the brake fluid needs to be maintained or replaced, a qualified professional should handle the task. At Fergies, our Volkswagen experts ensure that your vehicle receives the best care possible. By replacing your brake fluid with clean, high-quality fluid, you will be able to drive away from our Thatcham and Newbury garage with peace of mind. Contact us today!
