How often should the brake fluid in your car be changed? How about the differential oil?

How often should the brake fluid in your car be changed? How about the differential oil?
by

1 Answer

Answer :

Oops, please move this question to “General”. Thanks!
by

Related questions

In a theoretical rear-end car accident, would it be better to brake or not?

Description : In a theoretical rear-end car accident, would it be better to brake or not?

Last Answer : answer:Not brake. The energy of the offending car is going to be expended somewhere. You want it pushing you along, rather than crumpling your car. Think of the extremes: 1) You accelerate and the car does not touch you. 2) You lock the brakes and get the full impact.

What could happen if you just turn off the ignition while the car is in Drive with your foot on the brake?

Description : What could happen if you just turn off the ignition while the car is in Drive with your foot on the brake?

Last Answer : A few things happen: 1)If she had a car built after about 1985 she has a steering column lock that would prevent her from turning the wheel. 2)The power steering pump stopped working and it ... starters. Also many have electric power steering and power brake pumps so there is no loss of control.

Car problem: Brake light staying on after I turn the car and lights off?

Description : Car problem: Brake light staying on after I turn the car and lights off?

Last Answer : Get your car to a mechanic – you either have a bad brake light switch or some kind of short. If you don’t have jumper cables you may have to call a tow truck.

How often should you change the oil in your car?

Description : How often should you change the oil in your car?

Last Answer : Most cars these days tell you when they want their oil changed; mine seems to be about every 10,000 miles. I know we used to figure every 3,000.

When cruise control 'hits the brakes', do the brake lights come on?

Description : When cruise control 'hits the brakes', do the brake lights come on?

Last Answer : Cruise control won’t apply your brakes to slow the car. It downshifts instead, so the resistance of the engine slows you down. Since the brakes aren’t involved, no lights.

Factory or after-market brake pads?

Description : Factory or after-market brake pads?

Last Answer : answer:That really depends. Sometimes the aftermarket ones are cheaper but better, sometimes the aftermarket ones are cheap for a reason, sometimes they are the same pad with different prices, and sometimes ... Too many variables. What sort of vehicle is it, and what brand are the aftermarket ones?

Why is the brake pedal in the new Buick Regal so squishy?

Description : Why is the brake pedal in the new Buick Regal so squishy?

Last Answer : Sounds like BS to me. The only times my brake pedal went to the floor were after losing a brake line and half my brake fluid.

My car's brake light came on, can I drive home?

Description : My car's brake light came on, can I drive home?

Last Answer : I think you’re okay to drive home. Just go slowly. Maybe put on your emergency lights and stay in the slow lane. Admittedly, I am no expert on cars, but I have had this situation occur, with various reasons for the brake light coming on, depending on the make, model and year

Is 17K miles too early to replace brake pads?

Description : Is 17K miles too early to replace brake pads?

Last Answer : Brake pads on my 4×4 SUV lasted about 85,000 miles.

Do I need a brake flush?

Description : Do I need a brake flush?

Last Answer : No, unless you’ve had excessive leakage of brake fluid and have had to constantly refill the reservoir. That might introduce contaminants and moisture, otherwise tell the mechanic to take a hike and that you won’t be back there.

I accidently spilled windshield wiper fluid when trying to refill the windshield wiper reservoir, yesterday. I tried to clean it up as best as I could. I'm a bit leary on starting my car. Do you think that it'll be okay?

Description : I accidently spilled windshield wiper fluid when trying to refill the windshield wiper reservoir, yesterday. I tried to clean it up as best as I could. I'm a bit leary on starting my car. Do you think that it'll be okay?

Last Answer : It should be ok. Your car’s engine should be weather proof. How old is your car?

Why would a city have a bylaw against changing the oil in your car on your driveway?

Description : Why would a city have a bylaw against changing the oil in your car on your driveway?

Last Answer : Because the oil is often not disposed of properly.

Dealer did not put enough oil in car?

Description : Dealer did not put enough oil in car?

Last Answer : answer:Personally, I think your boyfriend is screwed. I once took my car to a Valvoline store in the city, about 2 hours away. The oil light started coming on, almost before I got home. I drove it that way for ... I don't mean to be harsh I just don't think there's reason to give you any hope, here.

What's the difference between car oil and motor oil?

Description : What's the difference between car oil and motor oil?

Last Answer : I don't think there are any differences between the two except for the titles. I've heard it called motor oil, engine oil, and car oil. Apart from those mentioned above, you could look at ... oils. Examples of these would be automatic transmission fluid (ATF), brake fluid, and power steering fluid.

What does putting oil in a car, without draining the old oil do?

Description : What does putting oil in a car, without draining the old oil do?

Last Answer : From Tom & Ray: When you overfill the crankcase by a quart or more, then you risk foaming the oil. If the oil level gets high enough, the spinning crankshaft can whip the oil up into a froth, like ... 's not much left in the glass-what you get is mostly air. And air can't lubricate your engine.

How often does transmission fluid need to be changed?

Description : How often does transmission fluid need to be changed?

Last Answer : Usually you should change your Transmission Fluid after 60,000 miles, but to be safe you should check it after 30,000 miles and if it looks like it is low I would add some fluid.

Can I mix normal power steering fluid with the lucas power steering stop leak?

Description : Can I mix normal power steering fluid with the lucas power steering stop leak?

Last Answer : Also my car Manuel doesn’t say what PS fluid I should use. I don’t get it. Can’t I just go buy some power steering fluid? What does it need to be?

Is there a negative effect upon adding new transmission fluid to the old one with out a flush?

Description : Is there a negative effect upon adding new transmission fluid to the old one with out a flush?

Last Answer : There is no negative effects. i am a mechanic of thirty years.

How often should I get a brake job on my car?

Description : How often should I get a brake job on my car?

Last Answer : There is no set mileage which tells you when to get new brake pads. Wear on the brake pads depend on various factors, most importantly the braking habits of the driver. Front brakes wear out faster ... a noise when you brake or you feel grinding, then you should bring your vehicle to the mechanic.

How often should the oil filter in my Saturn be changed?

Description : How often should the oil filter in my Saturn be changed?

Last Answer : Saturn recommends changing oil filter every 6000 to 12000 miles. Most mechanics recommend changing the oil filter with every oil change.

How often do you drive with both your hands on the steering wheel of your vehicle?

Description : How often do you drive with both your hands on the steering wheel of your vehicle?

Last Answer : About 90% of the time. That’s my default way to drive, unless holding a map or a cup of coffee.

How often do you use valet parking?

Description : How often do you use valet parking?

Last Answer : The only time it gets used is if I’m staying at a downtown hotel that requires valet parking and there isn’t any other option. There haven’t been any bad experiences though. In fact, it feels like pampering.

Do mechanics see gps tracking devices on cars often?

Description : Do mechanics see gps tracking devices on cars often?

Last Answer : ?? Well all the new “conveinence” systems such as OnStar and its equivilants are by design GPS trackers. Thats why I would rip it out ASAP

How often do you use parallel parking?

Description : How often do you use parallel parking?

Last Answer : answer:It is a skill you need to develop. I find I rarely parallel park. Until, I need to.

how often do you need to rotate your tires?

Description : how often do you need to rotate your tires?

Last Answer : I've heard you should do this every 7500 miles, or every 2nd oil change.

Whats with the oval stickers with abbreviations I often see on bumpers?

Description : Whats with the oval stickers with abbreviations I often see on bumpers?

Last Answer : answer:This was originally European, but I'm not sure what year it started. The 40's, I believe? It was a way to differentiate cars from different countries when they drove abroad. I suspect ... exploded sometime in the 90's, when places in the US started using them strictly for souvenir purposes.

Can I replace brake fluid myself in a Honda?

Description : Can I replace brake fluid myself in a Honda?

Last Answer : It is possible to replace the brake fluid in a Honda Accord yourself, however it is recommended that you take it to a professional mechanic unless you have experience in the area.

How do I change my brake fluid?

Description : How do I change my brake fluid?

Last Answer : You should flush and replace the brake fluid in your brake system every two years. You can change your own brake fluid, but service facilities now do this with brake flushing machines. If you find ... to its proper level. Here are some things that you should know about buying and using brake fluid

How do I do a brake fluid flush?

Description : How do I do a brake fluid flush?

Last Answer : You can go get it done at a shop or you an even do it yourself. But in order to do it yourself you need to know what you are doing so you don't mess up your car & mess up your break fluids.

What is a brake fluid flush and what does it do?

Description : What is a brake fluid flush and what does it do?

Last Answer : A brake fluid flush is designed to remove moisture from the brake fluid. Most cars can be driven many years without this service, only have it done if you know for sure that there is moisture in the fluid or if in the owners' manual they suggest that you have this done at certain times.

Will mixing Clorox and brake fluid really cause an explosion?

Description : Will mixing Clorox and brake fluid really cause an explosion?

Last Answer : No if you mix Clorox and break fluid it will not cause a explosion. It will only begin to smoke a lot because of the reaction of the chemicals in each product.

How to Refill Brake Fluid

Description : How to Refill Brake Fluid

Last Answer : How to Refill Brake Fluid Driving with low brake fluid is not just bad for your car and damaging for its brakes, but it can be dangerous for you as well. Monitoring your brake fluid is relatively ... a secure place where children won't get it, as it is potentially harmful and dangerous to them.

Describe the properties of brake fluid used in light motor vehicle.

Description : Describe the properties of brake fluid used in light motor vehicle.

Last Answer : Properties of brake fluid  1) Boiling point: Boiling point of fluid must be high because due to continue operation of brakes, generates the heat inside the drum, which increases the temperature of ... have sufficient stability at least 3 years. During this period the fluid should not be spoiled. 

My mechanic overfilled the motor oil; will this be a concern?

Description : My mechanic overfilled the motor oil; will this be a concern?

Last Answer : http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=692869

How long should I wait between oil changes?

Description : How long should I wait between oil changes?

Last Answer : answer:What does your owner’s manual say? Mileage is the most usual suspect.

When I make sharp turns my oil light pops on, what could this mean?

Description : When I make sharp turns my oil light pops on, what could this mean?

Last Answer : Sounds like you have a slow leak in a gasket somewhere and your oil is escaping, or your oil filter is dirty and not picking up from the pump insode the pan.

What are your thoughts on changing the oil viscosity to a higher grade as an engine wears more?

Description : What are your thoughts on changing the oil viscosity to a higher grade as an engine wears more?

Last Answer : answer:If anything It’ll just reduce your estimated MPG by a fractional amount. HOWEVER, upon further research, it might not be too GOOD for an engine. Because if it’s consuming a lot of oil, it could be signs of a deeper problem. You could try one of those “high mileage” oils.

Will one year between oil changes wear the engine excessively?

Description : Will one year between oil changes wear the engine excessively?

Last Answer : Yes. It’s the single worst thing you can do. You should be changing the oil every 3,000 miles without fail.

Anybody know what a capricious oil light means?

Description : Anybody know what a capricious oil light means?

Last Answer : Adequate or normal? Are you checking the oil when the car is off or when started?

Who should change the oil in my Prius?

Description : Who should change the oil in my Prius?

Last Answer : hmmm you could call him and ask him? I’d imagine the oil change isn’t that different on the hybrid since its still a gas engine. You could probably youtube “oil change on a prius hybrid” and get a video on how to do it yourself.

What kind of oil do i need?

Description : What kind of oil do i need?

Last Answer : Oil is rated in weight, which determines its viscosity - and in a more detailed analysis API rating - which has to do with its endurance over time. For example: 10W/30 is an oil ... on tolerances and pumps used within the engine. You should check your owners manual for a specific recommendation.

Why are people stupid enough to drive around burning oil? Can't that mess up the engine?

Description : Why are people stupid enough to drive around burning oil? Can't that mess up the engine?

Last Answer : because we are becoming a welfair state poeple are giving to much to easy and don’t have to work for it so they do not take care of things

Have you converted your car's engine to use waste vegetable oil from restaurants?

Description : Have you converted your car's engine to use waste vegetable oil from restaurants?

Last Answer : In the UK you’re still obliged to pay the fuel duty which is most if the price over here. Also I thought if the car had a diseal engine it didn’t need converting to run on vegtable oil?

Oil spots on driveway.

Description : Oil spots on driveway.

Last Answer : This worked for us.

How often do I need to change my brake pads?

Description : How often do I need to change my brake pads?

Last Answer : Brake bads need to be replaced based on wear and not on mileage or age. Most brake pads will include a "squealer" or indicator that will make a high pitched squeaking noise as your breaks reach the end ... be able to measure the remaining life on you brake pads and will often do so free of charge.

How often should a car battery be changed?

Description : How often should a car battery be changed?

Last Answer : How long a car battery lasts depends on many variables including your driving habits, the climate you live in, and how well your car runs. This typically can range from one to seven years, with the ... . A car battery should be changed every 5 years as long as no problems in power supply occur.

How often should a car air filter be changed?

Description : How often should a car air filter be changed?

Last Answer : It depends on how often you use your car. If you're a city driver changing it every year is a good idea. If you drive a lot you will have to change your filter more often as it depends on how much crud it ingests.

What is the difference between hydraulic oil and brake oil?

Description : What is the difference between hydraulic oil and brake oil?

Last Answer : What is the answer ?

The most likely cause of brake fade is: a. Oil or grease on the brake drums b. Worn stators c. The pilot reducing the brake pressure d. The brake pads overheating

Description : The most likely cause of brake fade is: a. Oil or grease on the brake drums b. Worn stators c. The pilot reducing the brake pressure d. The brake pads overheating

Last Answer : d. The brake pads overheating

The most likely cause of brake fade is: a. Oil or grease on the brake drums b. Worn stators c. The pilot reducing the brake pressure d. The brake pads overheating

Description : The most likely cause of brake fade is: a. Oil or grease on the brake drums b. Worn stators c. The pilot reducing the brake pressure d. The brake pads overheating

Last Answer : d. The brake pads overheating