Posted on 3/28/2025
You might not think twice about your brake fluid—until something feels off when you press the pedal. Even if you haven’t touched your brakes or opened the reservoir, brake fluid can still go bad over time just by sitting there. That’s because it absorbs moisture from the air, and once it becomes contaminated, it stops doing its job as effectively. Brake fluid may not wear out like oil or brake pads, but it does have a shelf life, even inside a sealed system. And when it goes bad, it can compromise your braking performance without warning. Brake Fluid Has a Limited Life Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it naturally attracts and absorbs moisture—even in a closed system. Over time, water vapor seeps in through rubber brake hoses and seals. As more moisture builds up in the fluid, its boiling point drops. Under hard braking, like during a sudden stop or mountain driving, your brake system heats up fast. If the fluid has absorbed too much mois ... read more