Brake fluid plays a crucial role in the safety of your vehicle by transferring the pressure you apply to the brake pedal to the actual brakes. Without it, your brakes simply wouldn’t function, and as everyone knows, a car without brakes is incredibly dangerous. Even slightly compromised brakes can pose a serious risk.

Brake fluid has a tendency to absorb moisture over time, which can compromise its effectiveness. Brake systems generate high temperatures, and brake fluid is specifically designed to have a high boiling point to prevent it from evaporating. However, when too much moisture builds up, the boiling point is lowered, making the fluid more prone to boiling under heat. This can lead to reduced brake fluid levels, ultimately affecting your vehicle’s braking performance and increasing stopping distances.

Why Is Brake Fluid Replacement Necessary?

In addition to reducing effectiveness, moisture-contaminated brake fluid can lead to corrosion within the braking system. Over time, this can damage components such as the callipers, wheel cylinders, and anti-lock braking systems (ABS). Regular replacement helps to extend the lifespan of these parts and maintain optimal braking performance.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it actively absorbs moisture from the surrounding environment, even through microscopic openings in the brake system. This is why regular maintenance is essential to ensure safety.

Your vehicle’s manufacturer will specify how often the brake fluid should be replaced—typically outlined in the logbook service schedule. At Pelican Motors Service Centre, we recommend replacing it every two years as a general guideline. However, it’s equally important to have it checked during each routine service. A professional mechanic can assess the moisture content in the fluid and check for any leaks or other signs of wear that might require earlier attention.

How Often Should Brake Fluid Be Replaced?

Yes, at Pelican Motors Service Centre, we provide a comprehensive 65-point vehicle inspection upon request with every full service. This includes a detailed review of your brake fluid, master cylinder, front and rear discs and pads, callipers, cylinders, and more. Our expert mechanics will assess the condition of your braking system and notify you if the brake fluid needs replacing or if any additional brake system repairs or maintenance are required. Regular checks can catch problems early, ensuring your safety on the road.

Maintaining your brake fluid is an essential part of car ownership, and neglecting it could lead to costly repairs or, worse, compromised safety. If you’re due for a brake fluid replacement or simply want peace of mind, book a service with Pelican Motors Service Centre in Caloundra. Our team will make sure your braking system is in top condition, so you can drive with confidence.

Learn why brake fluid is essential for your vehicle’s safety, how it works, and why regular maintenance by Pelican Motors Service Centre is crucial for optimal braking performance and to prevent costly repairs.

Brake Fluid: What It Is and Why It Matters

Brake Fluid: What Is It and Why Do You Need It?

Do you drive an Automatic vehicle? Then you might not even be aware that there is a clutch in your vehicle. Without it, the gears in your car will not change.

Pelican Motors Service Centre in Caloundra know all about repairing and servicing these systems including clutches, cables and fluids. Learn more below.

The clutch is one of the most important elements of your vehicles driving operation. Your engine is what causes your wheels to spin, but what happens when your car needs to stop? The engine shouldn't stop spinning but the wheels need to. It's the clutch that allows this to happen. The clutch allows the transfer of power from the engine to the wheels to be interrupted while a gear is being changed or while the car is stationary and the engine continues to run.

Some vehicles have hydraulic clutches - when you press the clutch pedal, the clutch fluid moves the pressure from the pedal through to the clutch and disengages the power transmission. Leaking clutch fluid can cause all kinds of problem in your vehicle so it is very important to monitor it regularly. At Pelican Motors Service Centre in Caloundra we check your clutch fluid, hydraulic system or clutch cables for you in the course of our free 65 Point Vehicle Inspection - which you can request as part of every car service.


You should have your clutch inspected if:

What signs to look for if your clutch is not performing

You notice a burnt ‘toast' or ‘burning rubber' smell in your car, or smoke from under vehicle

Your vehicle is slipping out of gear for no reason

Your clutch is not disengaging fully, or your clutch is sticking or shuddering

If your clutch is showing any of the problems above - it could mean any number of faults. Clutch problems are difficult to diagnose by symptoms alone because many issues cause the same symptoms, depending on the vehicle and type of engine. The best way to deal with clutch shuddering, slipping or noise is contact your local mechanics at Pelican Motors Service Centre today.

We can perform clutch diagnostics, service and repairs on most makes and models right here in our Caloundra workshop.

The clutch is one of the most important elements of your vehicles driving operation.

Grinding Gears? - It could be your Clutch Fluid

Old brake fluid can look clean - but that doesn't mean it's in good condition. If there is moisture in the brake fluid, you can't always see it, but it still affects the boiling point of the fluid which can in turn affect braking ability. 

Clean brake fluid not only protects your safety it also prolongs the life of your braking system components by preventing corrosion.

Pelican Motors Service Centre are qualified to perform a wide range of brake services and repairs using quality parts, all covered by our nationwide warranty.

Cost of a brake fluid flush depends on vehicle type, and if there are other repairs or maintenance needed to complete the task. While your vehicle is on the hoist, for your safety we will also check the calipers, wheel cylinders, brake hoses, brake lines, and master cylinder for any faults or signs of wear that need to be addressed and advise you if necessary.

If you would like to know costs - give our friendly staff a call to discuss your car and get a quote. If during the procedure we do notice something that needs extra attention that will affect our quote we will always call you to confirm before proceeding.

The car is placed on the hoist and the wheels are removed in preparation, we then begin by removing the existing fluid from the master cylinder. We then replace it with fresh new, quality brake fluid of the correct type. Next, each brake is 'bled' and the clean fluid flushes through the system, completely replacing the old. We will also check over the other parts of the brake system for any signs of damage or wear that needs attention and advise you if necessary.

A brake fluid flush can be done as part of a scheduled service - but sometimes we may suggest you need one outside of a regular schedule if we feel it's necessary. We are always happy to discuss the reasons why with you.

At Pelican Motors Service Centre we offer a full 65 Point Vehicle Inspection report, upon request, with every full car service which includes a written review of your brake fluid, master cylinder, front and back discs and pads, calipers and cylinders and more. This report lets you know if there is immediate or future need for repairs to your vehicle allowing you to be safe or budget in advance.

When it comes to brake safety - we don't stop - so you do when you need to.

Old brake fluid can look clean - but that doesn't mean it's in good condition. If there is moisture in the brake fluid, you can't always see it, but it still affects the boiling point of the fluid which can in turn affect braking ability...

Brake Fluid Flush in Caloundra

Drive Safer this Winter with a 65 Point Written Vehicle Inspection Report

Our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report is free with every service at Pelican Motors Service Centre in Caloundra. Our qualified mechanics will visually check over the important safety components of your vehicle and provide you with a written report on the condition of your vehicle. 

While half of Australia is enjoying their dry season up north, the southern half of the country is bracing for a wet winter.

You'd think that this would mean totally different ways to get your vehicle ready for winter; however the essentials of safe winter motoring stay the same. So what steps can you take to make sure your car is ready for safe winter motoring? 

We've all experienced that moment where you turn on the wipers at the first spot of rain and suddenly remember you haven't checked them in months! Your wipers are exposed to the full force of the Australian sun all year round and wear out. A good quality wiper blade like Trico is essential to help you see your way clear regardless of the weather. Pelican Motors Service Centre can recommend a wiper blade or assembly that is right for your car.

Fluids and other workings in your car can be effected by cold weather; including coolants, oils and items such as glow plugs in diesel vehicles. It's important to have your car serviced regularly by an expert who recognises the correct parts and products to keep your car in its best operating condition. We use high quality NGK glow plugs and Penrite oils and fluids that are designed for Australian conditions.  

Conditions change - and your driving style should too. In wet weather or poor visibility, slow down and leave a larger than normal stopping distance between yourself and the vehicle in front. Drive on the safe side and book in today for a service or a 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report.

Be aware of the signals that your brakes need inspecting, for example vibrating, spongy or slow responding brake pedal, strange sounds or difficult handling when applying pressure to your brakes. If you notice any of these you should get it checked out by a specialist. Brake inspections form part of our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report, so if you have concerns call us today and book in.

It's dangerous to drive on bald tyres, or tyres with incorrect inflation. Now is the time to check how much tread depth you have. If your tyres are wearing unevenly, this could indicate that your shock absorbers or some other vital part of your steering and suspension systems are due for service or replacement. 

Driving on tyres that are incorrectly inflated won't just cost you money on additional fuel; it can also impact your ability to stop. You can usually find manufacturers recommendations on a panel inside the driver side door.

We can then help you understand any safety concerns which may need to be attended so that you can drive safe this winter with Pelican Motors Service Centre and Repco Authorised Service.

The qualified mechanics at Pelican Motors Service Centre will visually check over the important safety components of your vehicle and provide you with a written report on the condition of your vehicle.

65 Point Vehicle Inspection in Caloundra

When it comes to brakes, you should never wait until brake repairs are necessary.  

Proper testing and routine checkups, such as our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection which we provide with all full car services, are important to ensure your vehicle's brake system is in top condition. Our expert team of technicians will be happy to advise you when they suspect that service or repair of your brake system is indicated to stop it becoming a bigger issue.

Brake services we perform at Pelican Motors Service Centre include:

Brake Disc/Rotor and Drum Resurfacing or Machining

If you recognise any symptoms that your car's braking system could possibly need service or repairs simply book online with us and have the brakes of your vehicle assessed through our Caloundra workshop today.

When it comes to brakes, you should'nt wait until brake repairs are necessary, get tested regularly.  

Brake and Clutch Service in Caloundra

Brake and Clutch

MTAQ

Pelican Motors Service Centre take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times. We have a paint and panel division for all your car repair requirements.
		
Conveniently located in Caloundra , the business is a member of the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring their technicians are kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods. 
		
Pelican Motors Service Centre have a wealth of experience in servicing all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, they have a commitment to high quality workmanship, ensuring the very best in automotive care.

Pelican Motors Service Centre

Brake and clutch

Related articles

Brake Fluid: What Is It and Why Do You Need It?

Grinding Gears? - It could be your Clutch Fluid

Regular flushing saves lives

Drive safe this winter