Regular maintenance of your car’s brake system is imperative to ensure its safe operation. Keeping your brakes working their best doesn’t just make driving safer, it also saves you money in the long run by extending the component’s useful life. As part of routine maintenance, your brakes should be bled and your brake fluid changed. Here are some tips to help you achieve optimal results:
Before beginning any brake-related maintenance, you should start by consulting your vehicle’s service manual. This will inform you of the correct type and grade of brake fluid to be used for your specific vehicle as well as when to perform supplemental servicing.
When choosing a brake fluid for your Peugeot, it’s essential that you choose the correct fluid type. While you may use hydraulic brake fluid which is the most commonly used, some vehicles call for a specific type of mineral or synthetic fluid, or a brake fluid blended with glycol. Always check the vehicle’s service manual to ensure that you’re purchasing the right brake fluid for your vehicle.
It is generally recommended to change your brake fluid every two years or as indicated by your vehicle’s specific manufacturer’s instructions. You will need to bleed the brakes before and after changing the fluid. To do this, you’ll need to locate the bleeder valve beneath the master cylinder and attach a hose to it which should be placed in a jar filled with brake fluid. Start with the wheel furthest from the master cylinder and slowly depress the brake pedal to force the air out of the brake system. Once the fluid runs clear of air bubbles you can top up the master cylinder with more fluid and move onto the next wheel.
If your vehicle has an ABS system, you will likely need to reset the ABS sensors after a brake fluid change. This is usually done by either unscrewing the large black box located beneath the bonnet or by holding a small button on the dashboard and turning the engine on for a few seconds.
Before reinstalling the brakes and topping up the fluid, make sure that all parts are thoroughly cleaned and lubricated with a lubricant specifically indicated for brakes. You should then check the hoses, calipers, and even the brake lines with a flashlight or camera. If these are all clean, top up the master cylinder with the specified type of brake fluid, reinstall the brake pads, and carefully refit the wheels.
Left unchecked, brake fluid will break down, become contaminated and reduce the braking efficiency. Make sure that you regularly perform brake fluid maintenance on your Peugeot to guarantee optimal braking performance and to extend the life of your vehicle’s brake system.
