Tips to Identify Brake Fluid Leaks in Your Nissan

When you take your Nissan out for a drive, you rely on its superior braking capabilities to keep you safe, which means that a brake fluid leak can have serious consequences. While such leaks may be rare, they can still occur, especially if your Nissan has been on the road for several years.

If you want to ensure you and your passengers reach your destinations safely, you need to be able to identify and fix brake fluid leaks as soon as they pop up. Here are some tips and tricks to help you with this important task.

Common Causes of Brake Fluid Leaks

Overall, the best way to deal with brake fluid leaks is by preventing them in the first place. Fortunately, this can usually be accomplished through routine maintenance.

• Worn Brakes: For example, one of the top causes of brake fluid leaks is worn out brake components. Over time, your vehicle’s brake pads, rotors, shoes, and drums can wear out, causing the caliper piston or wheel cylinder to overextend. This can rupture your vehicle’s brake lines, allowing brake fluid to leak out. Therefore, if you want to prevent brake fluid leaks, you should have your Nissan’s brake components changed and repaired at the recommended intervals in your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.
• Damaged Brake Lines: Similarly, another common cause of brake fluid leaks can also be prevented by routine maintenance: damaged brake lines. While brake lines tend to be fairly sturdy, they are not invincible, and over time they may rust or tear. Again, if this happens, it may allow significant amounts of brake fluid to leak out. However, if you regularly bring your vehicle to a mechanic for routine maintenance, they will be able to identify brake line corrosion before it leads to a brake fluid leak.
• Cracks in the System: In addition to failed brake components and malfunctioning brake lines, a third common cause of brake fluid leaks is cracks in the master cylinder reservoir. This plastic container holds your vehicle’s braking fluid when the liquid isn’t being circulated through the system, and its place near your vehicle’s engine means that it is frequently exposed to extreme pressures and temperatures.

These stressors may eventually cause the reservoir to crack, allowing brake fluid to trickle out. Although this cause of brake fluid leaks is somewhat more difficult to prevent than the first two, it can still be diagnosed and addressed through routine maintenance.

Identifying Brake Fluid Leaks

Taking proactive measures is a great way to minimize the chance of your Nissan developing a brake fluid leak, but unfortunately, those measures may not always be enough. If, despite your best efforts, your vehicle develops a brake fluid leak, then your first step should be to diagnose the problem.

• Check Where You Parked: One of the best ways to do this is by looking for brake fluid puddles in your garage, driveway, and other regular parking spots. Brake fluid is typically colorless and has the consistency of vegetable oil, and if you notice it in places where you regularly park, then there is a strong chance that your vehicle has sprung a brake fluid leak.
• Braking Becomes Difficult: Additionally, difficulties with braking can also signify that your Nissan is leaking brake fluid. If the braking system does not contain enough fluid, it will likely become depressurized, which means that your vehicle will take much longer to stop.

Furthermore, you may find that you need to press your vehicle’s brake pedal all the way to the floor before you notice any results. Both of these conditions merit an immediate examination of your vehicle by a mechanic, as they will make it difficult for you to brake quickly in dangerous situations.

We’re Here to Help

Not only is a brake fluid leak an irritating problem to solve, but it can also lead to severe consequences if not addressed properly. If you suspect that your Nissan has sprung a brake fluid leak, don’t wait. Bring your vehicle to Euro Plus Automotive. For over 30 years, our trusted technicians have provided auto repairs and maintenance to customers in Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, and San Fernando Valley, CA.

We are the top auto repair shop for German and Japanese vehicles in Los Angeles County, so give us a call today or stop by in person to find out what we can do for you.