Brake fluid plays a crucial role in the safety of your vehicle by transferring the pressure you apply to the brake pedal to the actual brakes. Without it, your brakes simply wouldn’t function, and as everyone knows, a car without brakes is incredibly dangerous. Even slightly compromised brakes can pose a serious risk.

Brake fluid has a tendency to absorb moisture over time, which can compromise its effectiveness. Brake systems generate high temperatures, and brake fluid is specifically designed to have a high boiling point to prevent it from evaporating. However, when too much moisture builds up, the boiling point is lowered, making the fluid more prone to boiling under heat. This can lead to reduced brake fluid levels, ultimately affecting your vehicle’s braking performance and increasing stopping distances.

Why Is Brake Fluid Replacement Necessary?

In addition to reducing effectiveness, moisture-contaminated brake fluid can lead to corrosion within the braking system. Over time, this can damage components such as the callipers, wheel cylinders, and anti-lock braking systems (ABS). Regular replacement helps to extend the lifespan of these parts and maintain optimal braking performance.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it actively absorbs moisture from the surrounding environment, even through microscopic openings in the brake system. This is why regular maintenance is essential to ensure safety.

Your vehicle’s manufacturer will specify how often the brake fluid should be replaced—typically outlined in the logbook service schedule. At Burmack, we recommend replacing it every two years as a general guideline. However, it’s equally important to have it checked during each routine service. A professional mechanic can assess the moisture content in the fluid and check for any leaks or other signs of wear that might require earlier attention.

How Often Should Brake Fluid Be Replaced?

Yes, at Burmack, we provide a comprehensive 65-point vehicle inspection upon request with every full service. This includes a detailed review of your brake fluid, master cylinder, front and rear discs and pads, callipers, cylinders, and more. Our expert mechanics will assess the condition of your braking system and notify you if the brake fluid needs replacing or if any additional brake system repairs or maintenance are required. Regular checks can catch problems early, ensuring your safety on the road.

Maintaining your brake fluid is an essential part of car ownership, and neglecting it could lead to costly repairs or, worse, compromised safety. If you’re due for a brake fluid replacement or simply want peace of mind, book a service with Burmack in Mossman. Our team will make sure your braking system is in top condition, so you can drive with confidence.

Learn why brake fluid is essential for your vehicle’s safety, how it works, and why regular maintenance by Burmack is crucial for optimal braking performance and to prevent costly repairs.

Brake Fluid: What It Is and Why It Matters

Brake Fluid: What Is It and Why Do You Need It?

Do you drive an Automatic vehicle? Then you might not even be aware that there is a clutch in your vehicle. Without it, the gears in your car will not change.

Burmack in Mossman know all about repairing and servicing these systems including clutches, cables and fluids. Learn more below.

The clutch is one of the most important elements of your vehicles driving operation. Your engine is what causes your wheels to spin, but what happens when your car needs to stop? The engine shouldn't stop spinning but the wheels need to. It's the clutch that allows this to happen. The clutch allows the transfer of power from the engine to the wheels to be interrupted while a gear is being changed or while the car is stationary and the engine continues to run.

Some vehicles have hydraulic clutches - when you press the clutch pedal, the clutch fluid moves the pressure from the pedal through to the clutch and disengages the power transmission. Leaking clutch fluid can cause all kinds of problem in your vehicle so it is very important to monitor it regularly. At Burmack in Mossman we check your clutch fluid, hydraulic system or clutch cables for you in the course of our free 65 Point Vehicle Inspection - which you can request as part of every car service.


You should have your clutch inspected if:

What signs to look for if your clutch is not performing

You notice a burnt ‘toast' or ‘burning rubber' smell in your car, or smoke from under vehicle

Your vehicle is slipping out of gear for no reason

Your clutch is not disengaging fully, or your clutch is sticking or shuddering

If your clutch is showing any of the problems above - it could mean any number of faults. Clutch problems are difficult to diagnose by symptoms alone because many issues cause the same symptoms, depending on the vehicle and type of engine. The best way to deal with clutch shuddering, slipping or noise is contact your local mechanics at Burmack today.

We can perform clutch diagnostics, service and repairs on most makes and models right here in our Mossman workshop.

The clutch is one of the most important elements of your vehicles driving operation.

Grinding Gears? - It could be your Clutch Fluid

At Burmack we provide expert brake maintenance services using quality parts and covered by our Nationwide Warranty.

Maintaining your brakes means not waiting until they need repairs or you find they are not up to the task of stopping you safely in an emergency situation. It is important to remember that brake noises are not only caused by normal wear and any unusual noises anywhere in your car should always be investigated by a qualified professional mechanic.

When it comes to Brake Maintenance, you should never take a risk. If you're not sure if your brake maintenance is absolutely 100% - call a professional like Burmack without delay.

Some things are best left to experienced mechanics and this is one of them. You should never let anyone but a qualified professional touch something as key to your safety as your braking system.

Brake pads compress against your brake rotors to create friction which is then used to make your car stop. Unfortunately, this friction also gives of a large amount of heat, which eventually begins to wear the brake pads down over time, making the pads less effective at performing this crucial function.

A "Squealing" or "Screeching" sound when you apply your brakes is generally an indication that your brake pads are due for a change as many pads have a small metal piece implanted in them designed to deliberately scrape on the disc when your brake pads are wearing out, alerting you that the pads need attention. You shouldn't wait until you hear such noises to get your pads checked and ideally should have your brakes inspected at every service.

We offer a Free Vehicle Inspection Report with every car service. As part of our Vehicle Inspection Report we inspect the brake pads for signs of wear and will tell you if they need replacing. We can also recommend the right pad for your driving style and conditions.

Car brake pads can generally last anywhere between 15,000 to 70,000 km's but this estimate can vary considerably based on a number of variable such as regularly hauling heavy loads, you particular driving style and local conditions. 

If your brake pads are wearing out prematurely your Burmack mechanic might advise using a heavier duty or heat resistant brake pad better suited to your vehicle or your requirements. Larger vehicles such as 4wds, SUV's, light commercials, and trucks often require heavy duty brake pads to cope with the additional load placed on them by the vehicles' larger mass. Vehicles that often tow heavy loads are also good candidates for a heavy duty brake pad upgrade.

Brake fluid provides the pressure needed by the brake pads to stop your car. It also helps prolong the lifespan of your various brake components by helping to prevent corrosion. Most people know that it is imperative to keep the brake fluid level topped up, but did you know that you should also have the entire system flushed regularly to replace old brake fluid and prevent excessive moisture in the fluid?

Simply because it looks clean doesn't mean your brake fluid is actually in good condition. Moisture can accumulate in the brake fluid and it's not always noticeable in a visual inspection. Moisture in the fluid increases the chance the fluid will boil, which could result in a loss of braking pressure. A visual inspection is not sufficient to identify excess moisture in your brake fluid.

Some things are best left to the experts and this is one of them. You should never let anyone but a qualified professional such as Burmacktouch something as key to your safety as your braking system.

Maintaining your brakes means not waiting until they need repairs or you find they are not up to the task of stopping you safely in an emergency situation. It is important to remember that brake noises are not only caused by normal wear and any...

Brake Pad Replacement in Mossman

Drive Safer this Winter with a 65 Point Written Vehicle Inspection Report

Our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report is free with every service at Burmack in Mossman. Our qualified mechanics will visually check over the important components of your vehicle and provide you with a written report on the condition of your vehicle. We can then help you understand any concerns which may need to be attended so that you can drive safe this winter with Burmack and Repco Authorised Service.

While the southern half of the country is bracing for a wet winter, the northern half of Australia is enjoying their dry season.

That could mean there is completely different ways to get your car ready for winter; however the basics of safe winter motoring don't change. So what can you do to make sure your car is ready for safe winter motoring? 

We've all experienced that moment where you turn on the wipers on the first rainy day and remember that at the end of last season you should have replaced them! Your wipers are constantly exposed to the hot Australian sun all year round and wear out. A good quality wiper blade like Trico is essential to help you see your way clear regardless of the weather. Burmack can recommend a wiper blade or assembly that is right for your car.

Fluids and other workings in your car can be effected by cold weather; especially coolants, oils and items such as glow plugs in diesel vehicles. Getting your car regularly serviced - especially by by someone qualified to understand the right products and parts to keep your car in top condition. We use high quality NGK glow plugs and Penrite oils and fluids that are designed for Australian conditions.  

Remember to always drive to the conditions. Slow down in wet weather or poor visibility and leave a larger than normal stopping distance between yourself and the vehicle in front. Drive on the safe side and book in today for a service or a 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report.

Keep a look out for the warning signs that your brakes need investigation, for example vibrating, spongy or slow responding brake pedal, strange sounds or difficult handling when applying pressure to your brakes. If you are experiencing any of these it's best to have a qualified professional check it out. Brake inspections form part of our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report, so if you have concerns call us today and book in.

It's dangerous to drive on bald tyres, or tyres with incorrect inflation. Now is the time to check how much tread depth you have. If you spot uneven tyre wear, this could indicate that your shock absorbers or some other vital part of your steering and suspension systems are due for service or replacement. 

Driving on incorrectly inflated tyres won't just cost you money on additional fuel; it can also impact your ability to brake effectively. You can usually find manufacturers recommendations on a panel inside the driver side door.

Our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection Report is free with every service at Burmack in Mossman. Our qualified mechanics will visually check over the important components of your vehicle and provide you with a written report on the condition of your vehicle.

Vehicle Inspection Report by Burmack

When it comes to brakes, you should never wait until brake repairs are necessary.  

Proper testing and routine checkups, such as our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection which we provide with all full car services, are important to ensure your vehicle's brake system is in top condition. Our expert team of technicians will be happy to advise you when they suspect that service or repair of your brake system is indicated to stop it becoming a bigger issue.

Brake services we perform at Burmack include:

Brake Disc/Rotor and Drum Resurfacing or Machining

If you recognise any symptoms that your car's braking system could possibly need service or repairs simply book online with us and have the brakes of your vehicle assessed through our Mossman workshop today.

When it comes to brakes, you should'nt wait until brake repairs are necessary, get tested regularly.  

Brake and Clutch Service in Mossman

Brake and Clutch

AAAA

RACQ

Burmack Pty Ltd take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times. 
		
Conveniently located in Mossman, the business is a member of the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring their technicians are kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods. 
		
Burmack Pty Ltd have a wealth of experience in servicing all makes and models, light truck servicing including commercial fleet vehicles. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, they have a commitment to high quality workmanship, ensuring the very best in automotive care.

Burmack

Brake and clutch

Related articles

Brake Fluid: What Is It and Why Do You Need It?

Grinding Gears? - It could be your Clutch Fluid

Brakes - maintenance vs repairs

Will you drive safe this winter>