Brakes are one of the most important parts of any vehicle because they keep you and everyone else on the road safe. But many drivers don’t pay enough attention to brake fluid and brake maintenance, which can lead to problems. Small mistakes, like using the wrong brake fluid, skipping fluid checks, or installing parts incorrectly, can make your brakes less effective and even dangerous.
At Fubex Lubricants, we offer high-quality brake fluid for all types of engines. Enjoy fast shipping, a price match guarantee, and no-questions-asked returns. Need help choosing the right oil? Call us at +971 50 544 9614 — our friendly team is ready to assist!
Awais I., Sales Director, says, “At Fubex Lubricants, we know safe braking starts with the right brake fluid — designed for reliability, protection, and smooth performance every time you hit the pedal.”
In this guide, we’ll explain why brake fluid matters, the different types of brake fluids, common mistakes people make, and tips to keep your braking system working at its best. By following these simple steps, you can make your car safer, last longer, and avoid costly repairs.
Why is Brake Fluid Important?
Brake fluid is really important for keeping your car safe. Here’s why:
- Prevents Brake Problems: Brake fluid helps the brakes work properly by keeping the right pressure in the system. Without it, the brakes might fail, which can be very dangerous.
- Helps Brakes Work Smoothly: Your brakes need to work well in all kinds of weather and conditions. Good brake fluid makes sure your brakes respond quickly and consistently every time you press the pedal.
- Stops Moisture Build-Up: Brake fluid can soak up water, which stops moisture from building up in the brake lines. This helps prevent rust and problems like vapor lock, which happens when water turns into gas at high temperatures.
- Protects Against Rust: Brake fluid also keeps your brake parts from rusting and corroding. Using good brake fluid can help your brakes last longer.
- Keeps Brakes Efficient: Checking and changing your brake fluid regularly keeps your braking system working at its best. This protects your car parts and makes your brakes more reliable.
Types of Brake Oil
Let’s look at the different types of brake oil:
DOT 3 Brake Oil
This is a common type of brake oil and works well for regular driving. But it’s not great for heavy or high-speed driving.
DOT 4 Brake Oil
DOT 4 has a higher boiling point than DOT 3, so it works better when you brake a lot or drive a heavy car. Fubex Lubricants recommends this for drivers who need extra performance.
DOT 5 Brake Oil
This one is silicone-based, so it doesn’t soak up water. That makes it good for wet conditions. But it’s not usually needed for everyday cars.
DOT 5.1 Brake Oil
DOT 5.1 is glycol-based like DOT 3 and DOT 4 but has an even higher boiling point. It’s perfect for sports cars and racing vehicles.
Fully Synthetic Brake Fluids
Fully synthetic brake fluids are made for the toughest conditions. They can handle high heat and pressure, giving better performance and durability for high-performance cars. Fubex Lubricants makes these for drivers who want the best.
Top 5 Common Mistakes When Changing Brakes and How to Avoid Them
The brake system is super important because it keeps you and everyone else on the road safe. Changing brakes might seem easy, but doing it wrong can cause problems. Here are the five most common mistakes people make and how to avoid them:
Mistake 1: Choosing the Wrong Brake Type
There are different kinds of brakes, like disc brakes and drum brakes.
- Disc Brakes: Most modern cars, vans, and motorbikes use these. They stop the wheel by squeezing pads against a disc. They work well in tough conditions.
- Drum Brakes: Found mostly on older cars, they use brake shoes to press against a drum. They are cheaper but get hot faster, which can make them less effective.
How to Avoid it: Always check your vehicle’s manual or ask a professional to pick the right brake. Using good brands like Fubex Lubricants can make sure your brakes work well.
Mistake 2: Installing Brake Pads Wrong
If brake pads aren’t installed properly, they can wear unevenly or fail.
How to Avoid it: Make sure the pads line up with the disc, the calipers are adjusted, and use grease for moving parts. This keeps the brakes working smoothly.
Mistake 3: Not Checking or Replacing Discs
Discs wear down over time and can get grooves or bumps, making brakes less effective.
How to Avoid it: Always check your discs when changing pads. Replace them if they are too thin, have deep grooves, or cause vibrations. Fubex Lubricants has high-quality discs that last longer.
Mistake 4: Not Bleeding the Brake System
Air bubbles in brake fluid can reduce braking power.
How to Avoid it: After changing brakes, bleed the system to remove air bubbles. Make sure the brake fluid is clean and replace it regularly to keep brakes safe.
Mistake 5: Skipping a Full Brake Check
Many people only change pads or discs and forget to check the whole system.
How to Avoid it: Check calipers, hoses, and brake fluid every time you change brakes. If you’re unsure, ask a professional to inspect the system.
How to Choose the Right Braking System for Your Vehicle
Choosing the right brakes depends on what kind of vehicle you have:
- Cars: Most modern cars have disc brakes on all wheels. Some cheaper cars may still use drum brakes at the back. Good brands like Fubex Lubricants offer high-performance discs for many car models.
- Vans: Vans are heavier and carry more load, so they need stronger brakes. Extra ventilated disc brakes are best because they handle heat better and keep stopping power strong.
- Motorbikes: Motorbikes need brakes that are light and react quickly. Disc brakes are perfect for this. Fubex Lubricants also makes brakes for motorbikes that give safety and control in all riding conditions.
Importance of Clean Brake Fluid
Clean brake fluid is very important for keeping your brakes safe and working well. When the fluid is free from dirt, water, and air, it can push the brake force to the pads properly. This helps your car stop quickly and safely.
If the brake fluid is dirty or has water in it, the brakes can feel soft or spongy and may not work as well. Water in the fluid can also make it boil at lower temperatures, which makes the brakes weaker during heavy use. Dirty fluid can even cause rust in the brake parts, leading to expensive repairs. Checking and changing brake fluid regularly keeps your brakes strong and your car safe.
Signs of Dirty Brake Fluid
It’s important to notice if your brake fluid is dirty:
- Soft or Spongy Pedal: The brake pedal feels mushy when pressed.
- Slower Stopping: The car takes longer to stop than usual.
- Discoloured Fluid: Clean brake fluid is clear or light yellow; dirty fluid looks dark or murky.
- Dashboard Warning Light: A brake warning light may appear.
- Burning smell or Strange Noises: This can happen when the fluid is bad.
Watching for these signs and keeping your brake fluid clean helps your brakes work properly and keeps you safe on the road.
Top 5 Reasons to Do Regular Brake Maintenance
Taking care of your brakes regularly is really important. Here’s why:
1. Keeps Brakes Reliable
Brakes are the most important safety part of your vehicle. Regular maintenance makes sure pads aren’t too thin, the fluid is clean, and all parts are working well. This helps you stop safely in any situation.
2. Shortens Stopping Distance
Worn pads or old brake fluid can make your car take longer to stop. Regular maintenance keeps your brakes sharp, so you can stop quickly, even in heavy traffic.
3. Prevents Brake Failure
Brakes usually warn you before failing with sounds, soft pedals, or dashboard alerts. Ignoring these signs can lead to total brake failure, which is dangerous, especially at high speeds.
4. Saves Money
Neglected brakes can cause big damage. For example, worn pads can ruin the rotors, turning a small repair into a costly one. Regular maintenance keeps costs down.
5. Protects Lives
Good brakes keep you, your family, and others on the road safe. Driving with bad brakes increases the risk of accidents.
Consequences of Ignoring Brakes:
- Slower or uneven braking
- Pulsating or vibrating brakes
- Higher repair and replacement costs
Final Takeaways
Your car doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs care. Most problems happen because of small habits we don’t think about, like skipping maintenance, missing oil changes, or shifting gears too quickly. These might seem harmless now, but they can cause big repairs later.
If you fix these little mistakes early, your car will last longer, be safer, and save you money. Cars are made to last, but only if you take care of them. Drive carefully, keep up with maintenance, and your car will keep running well for many miles.
FAQs
Q1: What is DOT 5 brake fluid?
DOT 5 brake fluid is made from silicone. It can’t be mixed with other brake fluids and doesn’t work with anti-lock brakes. Unlike other fluids, it won’t harm your car’s paint. DOT 5 is used for special situations, like military vehicles or very cold weather.
Q2: Which is better, synthetic or regular brake fluid?
Synthetic brake fluid is a more refined version of regular DOT 3, DOT 4, or DOT 5.1 fluids. It can resist water better and handle higher heat, but what really matters for performance is the DOT rating, not whether it’s labeled “synthetic.”
Q3: Which brake fluid lasts the longest?
DOT 3 brake fluid absorbs less water over time, so it doesn’t need to be changed as often. DOT 4 fluid handles higher temperatures better, which makes it safer for hot braking, but it may need changing more often.
Editor-at-Large
A passionate writer in the lubricant industry, Awais Iqbal has been covering oils, greases, and industrial fluids since the start of his career. At 25, he’s already written for blogs, catalogs, and brand guides across the UAE. Awais’s insights help companies connect with their audience, and his clear, helpful writing style is trusted by brands in the region.
