How to Check the Brake Fluid Level in a Car

The first step is to find where your vehicle’s engine bay is located. The exact location can vary from car to car but most vehicle’s have it in the front under the bonnet. If you're unsure where your car's engine bay is, then consult your vehicle's handbook.

After locating the engine bay, gain access to it.

Step 2: Locate your vehicle’s brake fluid reservoir

The vehicle’s brake fluid reservoir is usually located at the rear of the engine bay, but it can be found on either the driver or passenger's side. The reservoir typically looks like a container with a black screw on lid with yellow icons on it. The most common icon is an octagonal shape with a circle and brackets on either side.

The reservoir should be semi-translucent and should have markings down the side that indicate its minimum and maximum fluid levels.

Clean brake fluid should have a slightly golden colour, which could be hard to see if the reservoir is dirty. Make sure the outside is clean for a better view of the inside and the fluid.

Step 3: Check your brake fluid level

As mentioned in the step above, the brake fluid reservoir has markings to indicate minimum and maximum fluid levels. If you find the fluid is under the minimum mark it needs to be topped up.

Step 4: Top up using correct brake fluid

This step needs to be followed with caution. There are several different types of brake fluid, and you need to make sure you’re using the right one for your car. If you have never topped up your brake fluid before, you should be able to find out which type of brake fluid your car needs in the handbook.

DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5, and DOT 5.1 are among some of the most common types of brake fluids on the market.

Use a funnel to assist you when topping up the brake fluid. Pour enough fluid to reach the maximum marker. If you don’t have enough room to use a funnel, make sure that you’re pouring the liquid into the reservoir carefully to avoid spillage, since brake fluid can damage the paint. If you do spill some, make sure you clean the surface thoroughly to avoid further damage.

Step 5: Be wary of the signs

Low brake fluid could be an indication of worn brakes. It’s important to check the brakes to make sure they’re in good health to avoid accidents.

If you have to top up the brake fluid regularly, it could be a sign of a leak. If that’s the case, it’s crucial to have your vehicle checked and fixed for your safety.

Step 6: Clean and close

After you’re finished topping up, make sure everything is closed properly (including the seal prof reservoir lid) and clean any spillages.

Still unsure how to check your brake fluid?

Making sure your brake fluid is on the right level is crucial for your safety. If your vehicle doesn’t have the correct level of fluid your brakes could stop working causing a serious accident.

If you’re still unsure on how to check and change the brake fluid, one of our service stations could do this job for you. If you’d like to learn more about vehicle’s maintenance and have access to several owner’s guides, we recommend you have a browse at our blog, which is updated on a regular basis.

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