One of the most safety-critical parts of any vehicle is the brakes. So, keeping on top of your brake fluid changes is vital. 

The hydraulic fluid your brakes use also wears down over time and becomes less effective, like mechanical car parts such as pads and discs. Neglecting these changes will leave you with expensive repairs and an unsafe vehicle!  

In this article, we’ll look at the benefits of changing your brake fluid and the standard brake fluid charge cost.  

How much does it cost to change brake fluid?   

UK car brake fluid costs are usually around £50.  

However, some brake fluid change costs depend on the garage and location. Some places charge more and some less. Shop around before settling on one price. 

It’s a good idea to get your brakes checked over at this time, too. It shouldn’t add much to the cost as the mechanic will inspect each corner anyway while bleeding the brakes. 

Split the cost of service, MOTs, repairs and apply to split the cost into interest-free monthly instalments with Bumper.

Brake fluid change costs for different car models 

Brake fluid change costs sit around £50, but the fee usually depends on the model of car you own. 

Here are some examples of brake fluid prices in the UK: 

• Vauxhall Corsa — £40 to £62 
• Volkswagen Polo —  £40 to £62 
• Peugeot 208 — £39 to £62 
• Ford Fiesta — £39 to £62 
• BMW 3 Series — £45 to £69 
• Audi A3 Sportback — £45 to £69 
• Mercedes A Class —£45 to £69 

Note that these price approximations are subject to change depending on your provider and individual vehicle.  

What does brake fluid do?  

Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid used to apply force to the brakes. The brake pedal is attached to a cylinder - called the master cylinder - that applies hydraulic force to the fluid in a sealed system of pipes travelling around the car.

At each wheel, there are secondary cylinders, which are integral to the brake callipers on cars with disc brakes, and hidden inside the mechanism on drum brakes, the brake fluid transmits force to each wheel, applying pressure to the braking surfaces.  

The braking system is a relatively simple component of a modern vehicle. Other than a few additions, such as ABS, they have remained unchanged for many years.  

Why does brake fluid need changing?  

Brake fluid needs changing because it deteriorates over time and can make your vehicle unsafe. 

Not only this, but small fragments of rust, dirt, and other debris may enter the brake fluid over the years of operation and level top-ups. 

Due to this, the fluid may lose effectiveness as its primary function is as a hydraulic oil. Because the fluid is transmitting force, any contamination can affect the level of force applied when braking.   

This is especially apparent when air gets into the system through a broken pipe or hose or when repairing brakes. Because air is compressible, it absorbs your braking force instead of using it to slow the car as it should.   

Is a brake fluid change included in vehicle serving? 

No, brake fluid changes aren’t always included in a car service.  

That’s why it's so important to remember to change your brake fluid every two years or so. This helps you prevent brake failure and keeps your car road safe. 

How long does a brake fluid change take? 

Usually, a mechanic will take 30 to 60 minutes to change your brake fluid. However, your appointment may last longer if you add in extra services or checks.  

What brake fluid does my car need? 

Different car models need different brake fluid types. Most modern cars have a label on the cap of the brake fluid reservoir that tells you which fluid is needed. All good garages will have a variety of brake fluids on hand to ensure your car is covered. 

How often does brake fluid need to be changed?  

You should change your brake fluids approximately every two years. However, many factors affect the required frequency of fluid changes, including brake usage, and type of vehicle. 

Including the brake fluid in your monthly fluid level checks is important, not only for the level but also for the condition.   

You will want to check that your fluid is not:  

• Dark - it should be a golden brown similar to the colour of olive oil  
• Contaminated - any particles will cause issues, particularly in cars with ABS  
• Too full - Brake fluid is corrosive and overflowing will damage nearby components  
• The reservoir cap is tight - moisture can enter if not  

What can happen if you don't change your brake fluid?  

If you don’t change your brake fluid, you may experience issues with breaking performance, and driving will become unsafe. However, this is not the only thing bad that can happen.  

As well as the brake fluid becoming contaminated with debris, it can absorb moisture from leaking seals and joints and the reservoir cap.  

Once the brake fluid becomes saturated with water and debris, it will degrade faster during everyday use. One of the most severe issues this can cause is when the brakes are needed for an extended period.   

In this instance, such as descending a long hill, the contact surfaces become extremely hot, and this heat can transfer into the brake fluid. Usually, this will pose a little issue, as oil boils at a much higher temperature than water.  

When the fluid has been absorbing moisture, though, it can boil prematurely, causing hazardous braking effects such as brake fade.  

Can I change brake fluid myself?  

No, unless you’re a professional, you shouldn’t change your brake fluid by yourself. 

You should only work on safety-critical parts of your car with qualified supervision, the correct tools, and consumables. Changing your brake fluid involves lifting the car in the air, which, if done incorrectly, can result in serious injury or worse.  

Whilst the task of changing the brake fluid is not necessarily an overly complicated task, it does require a certain amount of appropriate tools and equipment. Using a jack to manually lift the car will likely take 2-3 hours - if everything goes well!   

The difficulty involved in changing the brake fluid is why we recommend people take their car to a qualified mechanic or garage to get it changed. 

However, if you do decide to change your brake fluid yourself, then we've put together this quick run-through of the process, with things you'll need and things to look out for:  

How to change your brake fluid  

1. Ensure the car is parked on a level surface, suitable for a jack and axle stands - not on gravel, grass or any other uneven/loose terrain.  
2. Jack up the car, safely supporting all four corners with substantial axle stands - You’ll need to get to every bleed nipple before moving the car.    
3. Remove all 4 wheels.  
4. Drain the old fluid from the reservoir.  
5. Fill the reservoir with new fluid - using the correct type.  
6. Methodically bleed all 4 brakes, starting with the furthest wheel from the master cylinder - do not let the reservoir run dry, and do not allow any bubbles or air into the line whilst bleeding.  
7. Repeat steps 4 and 5 to be sure all the old fluid and contaminants are removed.  
8. Check for a firm pedal and that the fluid level is within limits.  

Things you’ll need:  

• A level surface to park the car, with space all around for working  
• A helper to pump the brake pedal  
• Jack and axle stands  
• Appropriate brake fluid - check your owner's manual  
• Spanners  
• Syringe and hose to drain and bleed the system  

Pitfalls to be aware of whilst changing brake fluid:  

As anyone experienced in working with cars knows, simple jobs can often take much longer than expected to complete due to unforeseen events. Here are some common pitfalls to note:  

Bleed nipples can be fragile - Wheels experience a lot of water and road salt, and bleed nipples are very susceptible to corrosion as they protrude. 

Rounding of the nut and the entire nipple breaking off are not uncommon occurrences due to the fact you must use a spanner, and the nipples are difficult to access. If this happens, replacing the calliper or wheel hub is generally easier. 

Air in the system - If your bleeding tube is not a great fit on the nipple, or if dirt and corrosion are present, air can make its way into the system when it looks as though it’s exciting.   

This can be incredibly frustrating as the more you try to remove air, the worse the problem becomes. A tight-fitting length of the tube is the solution.  

Allowing the brake reservoir to run dry - Whilst flushing, the reservoir will drain. Make sure to keep an eye on this whilst bleeding, as it will suck air in from the top of the system if it does run out.   

In this situation, every line must be bled again to remove the air, as it has entered the top of the system. 

ABS pumps can be finicky - ABS pumps or ABS Modulators are a complex system of pipes and valves. Many modern cars require the pump to be cycled using an ECU diagnostic tool to purge the air.   

If this isn’t done, you will run the risk of the ABS or the brakes entirely not working.   

Brake fluid change costs: The final outlook 

Keeping your brakes healthy is a vital part of car ownership. But luckily, brake fluid change costs are relatively affordable. However, you should request quotes from different garages and enquire about general brake checks while changing the fluids to kill two birds with one stone.  

If you're ever in doubt, we recommend taking your vehicle to be checked by a qualified mechanic. Find a trusted service partner and apply to split your bill into interest-free monthly payments with Bumper.