Brake fluid helps you come to a stop by transferring pressure from the brake pedal to the brake pads and stopping your car. It does this by converting stored water into hydraulic force. You’ll need to keep this reservoir full or else risk getting stranded with no brakes.
The standard volume required for most vehicles is 50ml (2 oz). However, it may vary depending on how hard your foot is on the pedal. While changing your oil every 3,000 miles is a must if you want to keep your car in tip-top shape, changing your brake fluid every 2 years is also important. It helps maintain proper pressure and will prevent the brakes from overheating, which can cause damage.
If you don’t have 50 ml of brake fluid or more and plan on driving for an extended period of time (several hours), you may find yourself stranded with no brakes. Ensure that your reservoir is always filled to the minimum required level to avoid this issue. Use the following guide as a reference:
| Car | Brake Fluid Required |
|---|---|
| Mini Cooper | 52 ml (1.8 oz) |
| BMW 3 series | 60ml (2 oz) |
| Honda Accord | 46 (1.6 oz) |
| Toyota 4Runner | 40 (1.4 oz) |
| Volkswagen Jetta | 52ml (1.8 oz) |
| Mercedes-Benz E class | 66ml (2.3 oz) |
You should check your owner’s manual for your specific brake fluid requirements and the location of the reservoir. Once you’ve filled it up, be sure to take it for a test drive so that you know your brakes are working properly again before continuing on with your day or night out.
Getting into an accident is stressful enough without worrying about whether or not you’ll have any brakes by the time you need them most. Ensure that your car is ready to roll with 50 ml of brake fluid in its reservoir at all times. It only takes a little bit to keep your car running, but it could mean the difference between making it through an emergency stop and losing control of your vehicle.
