When You Should Change Your Brake Fluid So You Don’t Cost Yourself Money?

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When You Should Change Your Brake Fluid So You Don’t Cost Yourself Money?

Michael Leech • February 3, 2021

Unless you’ve been living under a rock (and if you have, I envy your peaceful existence) you know cars have changed MASSIVELY in the last 50 years. You can now drive a 6000 lb SUV that hs 450 HP with a TEN speed automatic transmission that gets 15 MPG around town or 22 on the highway! You can drive a 145 hp small sedan that gets 30 mpg around town and 40 on the highway! These modern cars will set their own following distance, keep to their own lanes, have integrated bluetooth phone connections, navigation, back up cameras….the tech is endless!

Brake Fluid Hasn’t Changed

However, the standard regular old DOT 3 brake fluid that we’ve been using for at least 50 years hasn’t really changed much. Most cars either use Dot 3 or Dot 4 brake fluids, and the Dot 4 is backwards compatible with Dot 3. Basically Dot 4 is very similar, but has slightly better corrosion resistance properties and a higher boiling temperature. Your brake fluid needs to be clean, free of water and full. Pretty basic, stuff, right? That is why you need to periodically have a brake fluid flush done! Here’s a great, basic article on brake fluid: http://www.crankshift.com/brake-fluid/

Hygroscopic What?

Brake fluid is what is known as hygroscopic- meaning that it will absorb moisture out of the air. This is why your brake cap has a seal and you should only add fluid from a clean, sealed container. Your brake system is designed with enough reserve capacity so that you should not need to add fluid until your pads are worn out. As the pads wear, the volume of fluid in the calipers increases and the volume in the reservoir of the master cylinder decreases. There is a sensor mounted in the reservoir that turns on the red brake warning light if the fluid level gets too low. Basically the fewer times the cap is removed, the better off we are.

Brake Fluid Maintenance

Due to the pesky nature of brake fluid to absorb water, a problem arises over time. The boiling point of the fluid will drop, increasing the risk of the fluid boiling under extreme braking. When that occurs the pedal will feel hard, but pushing on it will not result in further loss of speed- yes, you lose your brakes! Biiig Problem! An expensive but less dangerous result of dirty fluid is damage to brake components- calipers, cylinders, or worse the expensive ABS system components. We can prevent all of this by changing the brake fluid periodically, about every 2-3 years. This process is referred to as a Brake Fluid Flush.

Flush, not refill.

To replace the brake fluid effectively and completely, we use pressurized flush equipment to perform a brake fluid flush. A trained technician must perform this job. The vehicle MUST be test driven first, then a brake inspection performed, and all bleeders must be verified to be operational. Then, the technician uses a suction wand on the machine to vacuum out the old brake fluid. Then the flush machine is attached to the reservoir with a sealed adaptor and set to push fresh fluid at 10 psi into the reservoir. The technician attaches the suction adaptor to the bleeders and opens them, allowing the fluid to flow from the machine through the entire system, pushing ALL of the old fluid out. A turkey baster and some fresh fluid is NOT a brake flush and is a waste of money. The majority of the dirty fluid is in the calipers and cylinders, and the only way to get it out is to use flush equipment!

A BG Brake Flush Machine, which is what we use.

Ask Your Shop!

To conclude, you should have a brake fluid flush done every two to three years. Ask your certified technician to check your brake fluid today! Make an appointment at https://www.proautodiagnostics.com/contact-us/ or call our friendly advisors at 757-643-2559!

The post When You Should Change Your Brake Fluid So You Don’t Cost Yourself Money? appeared first on Pro Auto Repairs.

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Why Your Steering Wheel Feels Stiff: Common Causes & Fixes in Newport News

March 20, 2025

At Pro Auto Repair in Newport News, VA, we know that a smooth, responsive steering experience is essential for safe and comfortable driving. If you've ever encountered a stiff steering wheel, you know how concerning and frustrating it can be. Whether you're making tight turns or navigating through busy streets, a stiff steering wheel can significantly impact your driving experience. A stiff steering wheel often indicates that something isn’t quite right with your vehicle’s steering system. In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common causes of a stiff steering wheel and how Pro Auto Repair in Newport News, VA can help you resolve the issue, ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly and safely. The Importance of a Smooth Steering System Your vehicle’s steering system is a vital component for maintaining control of your car, truck, or SUV. A smooth and responsive steering system allows for precise control when navigating curves, parking, or driving at high speeds. If your steering feels stiff or unresponsive, it can make driving more difficult and potentially dangerous. Keeping your steering system in top condition is essential for your safety. Regular maintenance and addressing any steering issues promptly will ensure a more enjoyable driving experience and help you avoid costly repairs down the line. Common Causes of a Stiff Steering Wheel Several issues could cause your steering wheel to feel stiff. Let’s break down the most common causes and explain how Pro Auto Repair in Newport News, VA can help you address them. 1. Low Power Steering Fluid One of the most common causes of a stiff steering wheel is low or contaminated power steering fluid. Your vehicle’s power steering system relies on fluid to make steering more effortless, especially at lower speeds. If the fluid level is low or the fluid is dirty, it can cause the steering wheel to become stiff or difficult to turn. How It Happens: Power steering fluid can leak over time or degrade, reducing its effectiveness. Contaminated fluid can also cause the system to malfunction, resulting in hard steering. What to Do: If you suspect low or dirty power steering fluid, it’s essential to have it checked and replaced. At Pro Auto Repair , we can quickly assess your fluid levels, flush the system if necessary, and ensure the right fluid is added to keep your power steering system functioning smoothly. 2. Worn or Damaged Power Steering Pump The power steering pump is responsible for pushing the fluid through the power steering system. If the pump begins to wear out or break down, it can result in a stiff or unresponsive steering wheel. A faulty pump may also cause whining noises when turning the steering wheel. How It Happens: Over time, the power steering pump can become damaged due to wear and tear, excessive heat, or contamination in the fluid. What to Do: If you notice whining noises or difficulty turning the steering wheel, it's important to have your power steering pump checked. Pro Auto Repair in Newport News, VA, can inspect your pump and replace it if necessary, restoring smooth steering. 3. Damaged Steering Rack or Tie Rods The steering rack and tie rods are essential components that connect your steering wheel to the wheels of your vehicle. If either of these parts becomes damaged, it can lead to stiff steering. A damaged steering rack can cause your steering wheel to feel tight or unresponsive, while damaged tie rods can lead to misalignment, which affects your vehicle’s handling. How It Happens: The steering rack and tie rods can become worn or damaged from age, rough driving conditions, or accidents. When they break down, your steering system will suffer, often resulting in stiffness. What to Do: If the steering rack or tie rods are damaged, it’s critical to have them replaced immediately. Pro Auto Repair offers professional steering system repairs, including steering rack replacement and tie rod replacements, to restore your vehicle's handling and steering precision. 4. Faulty Serpentine Belt The serpentine belt plays a key role in powering various components of your vehicle, including the power steering pump. If the serpentine belt becomes loose, worn, or damaged, it can prevent the power steering pump from working effectively, causing stiffness in the steering wheel. How It Happens: Over time, the serpentine belt can wear out or slip, reducing the amount of power sent to the power steering pump. This can result in reduced steering assist and make the steering wheel harder to turn. What to Do: Regular inspection and maintenance of the serpentine belt can help prevent this issue. If you notice your steering becoming stiff, have the belt checked at Pro Auto Repair , where we’ll ensure it’s properly tightened or replaced as needed. 5. Alignment Issues Your vehicle’s alignment affects how the wheels are positioned in relation to the steering components. When the wheels are misaligned, it can lead to uneven tire wear, pulling to one side, and, in some cases, a stiff steering wheel. Misalignment can also cause your vehicle to feel unstable while driving, especially at higher speeds. How It Happens: Misalignment can occur due to hitting a curb, driving over potholes, or general wear and tear on the suspension components. What to Do: If you’re experiencing a stiff steering wheel alongside pulling to one side or uneven tire wear, it’s a good idea to have your vehicle’s alignment checked. Pro Auto Repair in Newport News, VA, offers professional wheel alignment services that will restore your vehicle's steering precision and improve overall handling. 6. Worn Out Steering Column or Bearings The steering column and bearings are part of the system that connects your steering wheel to the rest of your vehicle’s steering components. If these parts become worn out or damaged, it can cause the steering wheel to feel stiff or difficult to turn. How It Happens: Over time, the bearings can wear down, or the steering column can become misaligned, leading to stiffness in the wheel. This issue is more common in older vehicles or those with higher mileage. What to Do: If your steering wheel feels tight and you’ve ruled out other causes, it could be a sign of issues with the steering column or bearings. Our expert technicians at Pro Auto Repair can diagnose the issue and replace any worn-out components, restoring your steering system’s performance. How Pro Auto Repair Can Help in Newport News, VA At Pro Auto Repair , we specialize in steering system repairs and maintenance. If your steering wheel feels stiff, don’t wait for the problem to worsen—bring your vehicle in for a professional inspection. Our experienced technicians will assess the issue, whether it’s low power steering fluid, a faulty pump, worn-out components, or something else entirely. We’ll provide you with a reliable diagnosis and the necessary repairs to restore smooth steering and keep you safe on the road. Preventive Maintenance for Smooth Steering To keep your steering system in top shape and avoid stiff steering, regular maintenance is essential. Here are some preventive measures you can take: Check fluid levels regularly: Ensure your power steering fluid is topped off and replace it when it becomes dirty or contaminated. Inspect your steering system: Have your steering components, including the pump, rack, and tie rods, checked regularly for wear and tear. Maintain proper alignment: Get your vehicle’s alignment checked every year or whenever you notice signs of uneven tire wear or steering issues. By staying on top of these maintenance tasks, you can keep your steering system running smoothly and avoid costly repairs down the road. Schedule Your Steering System Check at Pro Auto Repair Today If your steering wheel feels stiff or unresponsive, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Schedule a professional inspection at Pro Auto Repair in Newport News, VA, today. Our expert technicians will diagnose the issue and ensure your steering system is in optimal condition, so you can enjoy a safe and smooth ride.