What is brake fluid?
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning that it’s designed to absorb moisture that enters into the brake system from the surrounding atmosphere via microscopic pores in brake hoses, seals, joints and seams. Being hygroscopic, this moisture is dispersed throughout the brake fluid (rather than pooled separately) helping to keep the boiling point as high as possible when the brakes are applied.
How long does brake fluid last?
Moisture from the atmosphere enters your brake fluid at a rate of 2-3% per year. This accumulates moisture over time, resulting in the brake fluid’s boiling point eventually decreasing to a level that will have a negative impact on your braking ability.
When is it time to schedule my brake fluid replacement?
The current Mazda Maintenance Menu recommends having your brake fluid inspected as part of your regularly scheduled maintenance visit every 8,000 kms or 6 months. If it’s determined that the moisture content in your brake fluid is unexceptable, your Mazda-trained technician will recommend a brake fluid replacement at that time.