What Color is Brake Fluid?

Discolored brake fluid may signal a service issue with your vehicle that needs to be addressed. Before you can determine what’s normal and what’s not, you’ll need to know: what color is brake fluid supposed to be? When it’s new, brake fluid is a clear liquid with a slight yellow hue. But as you make your daily rounds through Raleigh and Durham, the color and viscosity of your brake fluid will change. Discover how to determine when it’s time to schedule a service appointment for a brake fluid check with the auto pros at Hendrick Kia of Cary, below!

What Does Brake Fluid Do?

Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid your Kia vehicle’s brake system needs to function smoothly. One particularly important job it performs is allowing for movement of the brake pedal, but it also lubricates the brake system at large to keep corrosion at a minimum. If your brake fluid falls below the proper level or contaminants make their way into the fluid, your car’s safety and performance output can be compromised.

How to Check Brake Fluid

You can bring your vehicle into the Hendrick Kia of Cary service center for a quick brake fluid check any time, but learning how to check brake fluid at home in Apex is just as simple as checking your engine oil. Learning how to perform this DIY task will allow you to check the brake fluid more regularly, helping to prevent any issues from snowballing. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how to check brake fluid:

1. Pop the hood and locate the master cylinder, which is where you will find your brake fluid reservoir. If you have any trouble, your owner’s manual can point you directly to it.
2. The brake fluid reservoir has minimum and maximum lines that the brake fluid level should sit between. If the level falls under the minimum line, you’ll need to off with new fluid.
3. While you’re at it, check the color of the brake fluid. If it still looks clear and new with only a slight yellow tinge, it should still be good to go. If it’s dark or oily, you’ll need to schedule a brake fluid flush and replacement.

Schedule Brake Service at Hendrick Kia of Cary

Have additional questions about brake service, like how long your brakes should last? Fill out a contact form to start a conversation with our service pros, or call us directly at 833-756-7614! From answering “what color is brake fluid?” to “how long can you drive on a spare tire?”, we’re here to help you become a more confident, in-the-know car owner.