The Most Ignored Safety System in Your Car
March 18, 2025
Brake Fluid:
Why This Essential Fluid Needs a Springtime Refresh
When you think about your car’s braking system, what comes to mind? Likely, it's the brake pads, rotors, or even the calipers. But one of the most crucial—and often ignored—components of your braking system is the brake fluid. This hydraulic fluid plays a vital role in stopping your vehicle safely, and yet, many drivers don’t realize it requires regular maintenance.
What Does Brake Fluid Do?
Brake fluid is the unsung hero of your braking system. It transfers force from your foot pressing the brake pedal to the brake components, creating the pressure needed to stop your vehicle. Without it, your brakes wouldn’t function properly.
How Brake Fluid Absorbs Moisture Over Time
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air over time. Even though your brake system is sealed, small amounts of moisture can still find their way in, leading to:
Reduced braking efficiency:
Water in the fluid lowers its boiling point, which can cause brake fade—when your brakes become less effective after heavy or prolonged use.
Corrosion and rust:
Moisture can lead to corrosion inside your brake lines and other components, potentially causing expensive damage.
A spongy brake pedal:
Too much water in the fluid can make your brake pedal feel soft or unresponsive.
Why Spring Is the Best Time for a Brake Fluid Exchange
Winter can be tough on vehicles, and your braking system is no exception. Between freezing temperatures, and moisture exposure, brake fluid can degrade more quickly than you think. Here’s why spring is the perfect time for a brake fluid exchange:
Temperature changes accelerate moisture buildup. The transition from cold winter months to warmer spring temperatures can cause condensation in your brake lines, increasing water contamination.
Your brakes work harder in winter. Snowy, icy roads require frequent braking, which can lead to increased wear on the system and faster fluid degradation.
Prepare for summer driving. Whether you’re planning road trips or just enjoying the warm weather, fresh brake fluid ensures your braking system is performing at its best when you need it most.
How Often Should You Change Brake Fluid?
Most manufacturers recommend exchanging brake fluid every two to three years, but this can vary based on your driving habits, vehicle type, and the climate in which you drive. The best way to know if you’re due is to have a professional inspect your brake fluid for color changes, contamination, or moisture levels.
The Magic Touch: Your Free Vehicle Health Report
At Magic Lube & Rubber, we believe in transparency and proactive maintenance. That’s why, with every service, we perform a FREE vehicle health report to ensure all safety items are identified and your car's overall well-being is in check.
Our team inspects key components and documents everything in a digital report that includes photos of your vehicle.
Your service advisor and technician review the findings with you, helping you understand any concerns.
We help you prioritize necessary services, ensuring safety first while helping you plan for your vehicle’s long-term health.
It’s all part of The Magic Touch—giving you confidence on the road and peace of mind that your car is in great hands.
Schedule Your Spring Brake Fluid Exchange at Magic Lube & Rubber
Your brakes are your car’s most important safety system, and fresh brake fluid is key to keeping them in top shape. At Magic Lube & Rubber, we make it easy to maintain your vehicle’s health with expert brake fluid exchanges and our free health report with every service. If you haven’t had yours checked recently, book your reservation for service today and experience The Magic Touch for yourself!
Shawn Gilfillan is the dedicated owner of Automotive Magic in Kenvil, NJ. With over two decades of experience, Shawn has led his team in providing expert auto repair and service since 2003.
In 2022, Magic Lube & Rubber was born in Lake Hopatcong, NJ. Committed to fostering strong community ties and supporting team development, Shawn prioritizes customer satisfaction above all. As a proud family man and long-time resident of Roxbury, NJ, Shawn brings a blend of professionalism and warmth to his business.
Trust Shawn and his team for all your automotive needs with confidence and assurance.
Celebrate your birthday with Magic Lube & Rubber! Enter our monthly Birthday Club raffle for a chance to win a free oil change and feel like family.
Discover how Magic Lube & Rubber helps NJ students explore automotive careers through apprenticeships, hands-on training, and real-world shop experience.
Get the repairs you need without the holiday stress. Magic Lube & Rubber offers flexible financing options to keep your vehicle safe and road-ready all season long.
Get $110 back on Continental tires at Magic Lube & Rubber. Add $90 with the Continental credit card. Ask about our Magical Tire Protection Plan.
Discover top-notch oil change services at Magic Lube & Rubber in Lake Hopatcong, NJ. Trust our expert care for all your car maintenance needs. Visit us today!
Community — that’s what it’s all about.
After the Women’s Car Care Clinic, guests joined Lourdes of the Vine for a fun wine tasting with prizes, laughter, and learning.
What a fantastic day we had at our recent Women’s Car Care Clinic! The turnout was incredible — a full room of women eager to learn, ask questions, and get hands-on with their vehicles. The energy was contagious from the start. Brendan led the group with his signature mix of patience and passion, breaking down the basics of car care in a way that made everyone feel comfortable and confident. From checking oil levels and understanding filters to learning about tire maintenance and warning lights, participants were eager to dive in and see for themselves how things work under the hood. It wasn’t long before everyone was getting involved — tools in hand and questions flying. And of course, no workshop would be complete without a few laughs. Somewhere along the way, the tables turned when the group discovered that I — Heidi — was a bit overdue for my own oil change and running low on oil. I caught some good-natured teasing for that one! But honestly, it perfectly proved the point we were trying to make: life gets busy, and even when you work at an awesome repair shop, car maintenance can slip your mind. The goal of this event was to make car care less intimidating and more empowering — and it did just that. Attendees left with new skills, better awareness, and the confidence to take charge of their vehicle’s upkeep. To keep things lively, Will wrapped up the session with a Car Care Quiz, testing everyone’s newfound knowledge. There were lots of laughs and a little friendly competition, especially as he handed out prizes like baseball caps from our vendors and ice scrapers — perfect timing for the chilly months ahead. We couldn’t have asked for a better turnout or a more enthusiastic group. Thank you to everyone who joined us for making it such a fun and inspiring day! Stay tuned for part two — after the learning came a little relaxation and connection, with a wine tasting that wrapped up the day beautifully.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Optimize your vehicle's performance with expert alignments at Magic Lube & Rubber in Lake Hopatcong, NJ. Precision and expertise await. Schedule an appointment today!
