Should I Change My Brake Fluid?
The Forgotten Maintenance That Could Make or Break Your Safety on the Road
You know to change your oil. You may even stay on top of your tire rotations. But what about your brake fluid?
If you're like most drivers in Clackamas, Happy Valley, Oregon City, or Milwaukie, you’ve probably never had your brake fluid flushed—or even thought about it. That’s why we see so many brake issues at Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales that could’ve been avoided with one simple service.
Brake fluid doesn’t just affect your stopping power—it affects your safety, your wallet, and your entire brake system. And unlike oil, it doesn’t have a dashboard light or service sticker reminding you when it’s time.
So let’s change that. Here’s everything you need to know about brake fluid—and why a flush might be the most important thing you do for your vehicle this year.
What Does Brake Fluid Actually Do?
Brake fluid is the hydraulic link between your brake pedal and the wheels. When you press the pedal, brake fluid transmits that force through brake lines to calipers or wheel cylinders that apply pressure to the pads or shoes.
Without healthy brake fluid, none of the following works properly:
Consistent, even brake pressure
Proper operation of your ABS (anti-lock braking system)
Smooth braking during high heat or emergency stops
Internal corrosion protection for your brake components
In short: brake fluid is your first line of defense when you hit the brakes.
Why Brake Fluid Wears Out (Even If You Don’t Drive Hard)
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air over time—even through sealed brake systems. That moisture:
Lowers the boiling point, which can cause brake fade under stress
Leads to internal corrosion in brake lines and master cylinders
Produces acidic byproducts that wear down seals and calipers
Reduces stopping power without any visible signs
Oregon’s climate—especially in Clackamas and Happy Valley—with seasonal rains and high humidity, speeds up this breakdown even faster.
How Often Should You Change Your Brake Fluid?
Most manufacturers recommend a brake fluid flush every 2 to 3 years or 30,000 miles, but timing depends on:
Your driving habits (commutes through Oregon City, mountain travel, towing, etc.)
The age of your vehicle
Whether your car has ABS, traction control, or advanced safety features
The condition of your fluid (we test it!)
At Tim’s Automotive, we don’t guess—we test. Using moisture-level strips and fluid color checks, we help you make informed, honest decisions about your vehicle’s health.
Signs That Your Brake Fluid Needs to Be Replaced
Brake fluid issues are subtle—until they’re not. Watch for:
A soft, spongy, or sinking brake pedal
Slower response during braking
ABS or brake warning lights
Fluid in the reservoir looks dark brown or black
You haven’t had a brake fluid flush in over two years
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's time to bring your car in before further damage occurs.
What’s Included in a Professional Brake Fluid Flush at Tim’s
Our ASE-certified technicians perform a complete, high-integrity service:
Test the brake fluid for moisture, color, and contamination
Flush the entire hydraulic system, including lines and ABS components
Refill with OEM-approved DOT fluid specific to your make and model
Bleed air from the brake system for full pedal recovery
Conduct a full road test to verify safe, even braking
Whether you’re driving through Damascus, heading out from Happy Valley, or commuting around Oregon City, our goal is the same: safe, confident stops.
What Happens If You Skip a Brake Fluid Flush?
We see it too often—vehicles come in with:
Rusted brake lines
Seized calipers
Failed ABS control modules ($1,500+ repair)
Brake fade that leads to dangerous near-misses
Complete pressure loss under high-stress braking
Most of these failures could have been prevented by a $120–$150 service every few years.
Why Clackamas Drivers Trust Tim’s Automotive
At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales, we’ve built our reputation on integrity, trust, and top-tier workmanship. Here’s what makes us different:
No pressure—just facts. We test, show you the results, and explain your options.
Family-owned care, ASE-certified quality.
OEM-spec fluids, never low-grade shortcuts.
Transparent pricing and real communication.
From regular commuters to off-roaders and family vehicles—we treat your car like it’s our own.
Final Thought: You Can’t See Brake Fluid Failing—Until You Feel It
Brake fluid doesn’t make noise, smell, or leak—so it’s easy to ignore. But when it fails, the results are immediate, costly, and sometimes dangerous.
If you live in or around Clackamas, Oregon City, Milwaukie, Damascus, or Happy Valley, don’t wait until something goes wrong. Let’s test your fluid, flush your system if needed, and keep your brakes reliable for the roads ahead.
Schedule Your Brake Fluid Flush at Tim’s Automotive Today
📍 Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales
15688 SE 135th Ave, Clackamas, OR 97015
📞 (503) 656-0600
🌐http://tims-automotive.com
Proudly serving Clackamas, Oregon City, Happy Valley, Damascus, Milwaukie, and the greater Portland metro area.
For more information please watch the video
https://youtu.be/61ujJe1lnGA