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The Honda CR-V is a very popular small SUV. Known for its practical features, comfortable ride, and longevity, a CR-V is a good choice for people seeking value in their next vehicle. While generally reliable, the CR-V can run for years to come if it’s properly maintained and cared for by a professional mechanic.
As one of San Jose’s top auto shops, we work with CR-Vs often, and we would love to help with any repair or maintenance needs you might have. Our team has the right equipment, experience, and customer-focused approach to take on any repair, no matter how complex.
While we offer professional repair services for when something goes wrong, we have many regular clients who trust their cars with us for standard maintenance and care. Everyone knows about oil changes, but there are other maintenance items which should be regularly performed to keep your vehicle running as long as possible. A brake fluid flush is one such item, and in this article we will discuss this important service and how it can help your CR-V brake safely for years to come.
The Purpose of Brake Fluid
If you don’t know much about cars, you probably don’t know anything about brake fluid. Trust us, you aren’t alone; most people aren’t aware of the role brake fluid plays in their cars. Put simply, brake fluid helps convert your foot on the brake pedal into stopping power for your vehicle. This fluid travels through brake lines and uses hydraulic force to create friction and slow the car.
Properties of Brake Fluid
Brake fluid has to have some unique properties to accomplish its task of slowing your CR-V time and time again. The most unique thing about brake fluid is its ability to withstand high temperatures. Because braking creates friction, your car’s brakes are very hot when it’s stopping. Any other fluid would begin to boil or evaporate at these temperatures, but brake fluid is designed to keep its form. In addition, brake fluid has to be the perfect consistency to be able to create sufficient hydraulic pressure to stop the vehicle but still be able to easily flow through brake lines.
Brake Fluid Flush Service
Because brake fluid has some unique properties, it can’t be replaced with another type of lubricant. In fact, many vehicles have specific needs for certain types of brake fluid depending on how their braking system works. A CR-V uses a type of brake fluid called DOT 3.
Another property of brake fluid is its ability to absorb water. Over time, brake fluid can become diluted. When this happens, it can run the risk of causing rust or it can lose its effectiveness. Since this is the case, the fluid should be replaced periodically, typically per your vehicle’s recommended service interval. Old brake fluid can’t be mixed with new, so when we perform this service, we flush the system and replace it entirely.
Full Service Plans Available
If your brake fluid might be overdue for service, we would be happy to help. We would be happy to assess your CR-V and perform a full service to hopefully keep it on the road for the long haul. To learn more about what we do or book your service, please reach out to us any time.
