What Color is Brake Fluid?

Checking your car’s brake fluid is an important part of any at-home regular maintenance routine. Still, many Beverly Hills drivers aren’t sure how to tell when brake fluid needs to be replaced. What color is brake fluid supposed to be? Fresh brake fluid should be a clear liquid with a hint of yellow. Over time, the color and viscosity of brake fluid will change significantly — which is your signal to contact a certified Jaguar service center! Learn about what to look for when checking your brake fluid at home in Los Angeles.

Why Do I Need Brake Fluid?

Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that your Jaguar braking system needs to continue working smoothly. Brake fluid keeps all the moving parts in your braking moving as they should. Not only that but the lubrication guards against corrosion of auto parts. When levels get low or brake fluid becomes dirty, your Jaguar vehicle’s safety and performance mechanisms are at risk. So what does brake fluid look like when clean versus dirty? 

How to Check Brake Fluid at Home

Even if you’re new to auto maintenance, checking your brake fluid is quick and easy. It’s no more intimidating than checking your oil or engine coolant. All three tasks require you to check the fluid level against a designated mark and then gauge the liquid’s color to see whether it’s fresh or needs to be changed.

What does brake fluid look like when clean vs. dirty for your vehicle? When you get in the habit of regularly checking your brake fluid, you’ll also become familiar with what’s normal for your particular vehicle — so you’re less likely to be surprised by maintenance issues related to dirty brake fluid. Here’s how to check your car’s brake fluid at home:

1. Open the hood and locate the master cylinder. From there, you should be able to find the brake fluid reservoir. Don’t see it? Refer to vehicle’s owner’s manual or speak with a technician at the Jaguar Los Angeles service center.
2. Find the minimum and maximum lines on your fluid reservoir. Now check that your fluid level falls between the two marks. If it’s under the minimum, top-off with fresh brake fluid a little at a time.
3. Check the color of your brake fluid. The color should be clear with a hint of yellow. If it’s dark, oily, or contains floating participles, it’s time to schedule a flush and fluid replacement.

Stay on Track with Jaguar Maintenance at Jaguar Los Angeles 

Now that you know what color is brake fluid, it’s essential to keep up with your regular Jaguar maintenance schedule to keep your car in great condition long-term. The team at Jaguar Los Angeles is happy to share tips for what you can do at home to stay on top of everyday car care like oil changes and tire rotation. Plus, don’t miss our rotating selection of service specials for Beverly Hills and Bel Air-area Jaguar drivers!