Brake Fluid Flush Costs

A brake fluid flush, also known as a brake flush, is the process of removing old brake fluid from your car’s braking system and replacing it with clean fluid free of contaminants and moisture. Various factors impact the cost of a brake fluid flush, including labor costs, vehicle make and model, and brake fluid type.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Luxury vehicles or those with more complicated brake systems might require more time than a standard brake fluid change, meaning higher labor costs.
• Different vehicle makes and models require different types of brake fluids, ranging from the less-expensive DOT 3 to pricier DOT 4, DOT 5, and DOT 5.1, specifications defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation (hence the DOT). These specs refer to the boiling point of the brake fluid, the viscosity of the fluid, the stability of the fluid at high temperatures, and other properties.
• Note that if you use DOT 5 brake fluid, you can only mix it with more DOT 5. You cannot mix it with DOT 4, for instance. This is because DOT 5 is silicone-based, while all others are glycol-based. It’s important to use the correct brake fluid for your make and model to avoid having your brakes lock up or perform poorly.
• More expensive doesn’t mean better. It’s not necessary to use DOT 5 brake fluid unless you’re driving a high-performance vehicle, like a Formula 1 race car, which needs brake fluid with a higher boiling point.

If you neglect to get a brake fluid flush, it can lead to more expensive repairs down the road. Contaminated brake fluid can cause corrosion and damage to the braking system, which can result in expensive repairs. Additionally, worn-out brake fluid can reduce the effectiveness of your brakes, increasing the risk of an accident.

It’s recommended you have your brake fluid changed every 40,000 to 45,000 miles or every two years, whichever comes first. However, this can vary depending on the make and model of your car, so check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations.

• ABS Module Replacement
• Alternator Repair
• Brake Master Cylinder Replacement
• Car A/C Repair
• Car Thermostat Replacement
• Mass Air Sensor Replacement
• Oil Pan Gasket Replacement
• Oil Pan Replacement
• PCV Valve Replacement
• Power Steering Fluid Flush
• Power Steering Pump Replacement
• Purge Valve Replacement
• Radiator Hose Replacement
• Starter Repair
• Tire Repair
• Tire Rotation and Balance
• TPMS Sensor Replacement
• Window Regulator Replacement
• Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement

Content has been reviewed by Gary Hardesty, Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader in-house service and maintenance expert and an A.S.E. certified master technician.