The Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association (AMRA) recommends to its members that (1) Brake fluid be tested for contamination at OEM recommended brake system inspection intervals, and (2) that a Brake fluid replacement service be performed, for most vehicles, when testing shows copper content exceeds 200 ppm. The AMRA Technical Committee reached these conclusions after extensive study of industry data, including a review of SAE Papers, US Government reports (NHTSA and NIST) and independent laboratory studies, among other resources. The data showed that this increased presence of copper contamination predetermines the rapid growth of iron con-tamination and corrosion which has shown to impede future brake system performance.

Braking System

What is a braking system?

An automotive braking system is a group of mechanical, electronic and hydraulically activated components which use friction / heat to stop a moving vehicle.

How does a braking system work?

When the brake pedal is depressed, the pressure on the brake pedal moves a piston in the master cylinder, forcing the brake fluid from the master cylinder through the brake lines and flexible hoses to the calipers and wheel cylinders. The force applied to the brake pedal produces a proportional force on each of the pistons.

The calipers and wheel cylinders contain pistons, which are connected to a disc brake pad or brake shoe. Each output piston pushes the attached friction material against the surface of the rotor or wall of the brake drum, thus slowing down the rotation of the wheel. When pressure on the pedal is released, the pads and shoes return to their released positions. This action forces the brake fluid back through the flexible hose and tubing to the master cylinder.

What components are in the braking system?

Disc Brakes
Disc Brakes are comprised of a disc or rotor, a caliper assembly, disc brake pads and the wheel bearings and hardware necessary to mount the components on the vehicle. The caliper is connected to the master cylinder through tubes, hoses and valves that conduct brake fluid through the system.

Drum Brakes
Drum Brakes are comprised of a drum & backing plate, a hub or axle assembly, brake shoes , wheel cylinder, wheel bearings and hardware necessary to mount these components on the vehicle. The wheel cylinder is connected to the master cylinder through tubes, hoses and valves that conduct brake fluid through the system.

Brake Fluid:
Brake fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid used in brake applications for automobiles and light trucks. It is used to transfer force under pressure from where it is created through hydraulic lines to the braking mechanism near the wheels. Braking applications produce a lot of heat so brake fluid must have a high boiling point to remain effective and must not freeze under operating conditions. Brake fluid is also designed to protect against corrosion of the system materials it contacts, however those corrosion inhibitors deplete over time. Excessive moisture is also an issue. MAP continues to seek additional information from brake fluid manufacturers and other technical experts to identify the point of vaporization that may seriously affect braking efficiency and safety.

Your driving type or vehicle usage may affect the maintenance intervals below. You should follow the manufacturer’s service schedule that best matches your vehicle’s operating conditions.

Proper Maintenance Helps Extend Vehicle Life!

Those recommendations may include:

• Change your engine oil every 3 months or 3,000 miles
• Check your tire inflation pressure monthly
• Rotate your tires every 6 months or 5,000 to 8,000 miles
• Change the engine air filter annually or when visibly restricted.
• Inspect Brake System every 12 months or 15,000 miles

AMRA/MAP believes that this information is accurate and reliable and does not endorse, approve or certify such information, nor does it guarantee the accuracy, completeness, efficacy, or timeliness; reliance on it should only be undertaken after a detailed review of the applicable OE publication(s).

AMRA/MAP is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims all liability for damages of any kind or consequences thereof, arising out of use, reference to, reliance on, or performance of such information.

Appearance

• To prevent stripping of the wax finish, use only automotive car wash products, not dishwashing soaps.
• Polish at least twice a year to protect and maintain the finish

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Batteries & Cables

• Battery should be securely mounted.
• If the battery is three years old or more, it should be tested and replaced if necessary
• Battery connection should be clean, tight and free of corrosion.

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Belts & Hoses

• Check the V belts and serpentine belts for tension and condition
• Typically replace timing belt between 60 to 90K miles – not replacing the belt could cause serious engine damage.
• Inspect hoses at each oil change. Replace brittle, cracked, or leaking hoses.
• Replace belts when cracked, frayed, glazed or showing signs of excessive wear.

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Brake Fluid

• Replace fluid every 2 years/24,000 miles
• If frequent topping off is required, inspect brake linings and check for fluid leaks.
• Check fluid with engine off or running.

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Brake Service

• Check the entire brake system every year. Inspect brake linings, rotors and drums.

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Check Engine Light

• If check engine light comes on while driving or remains on, your vehicle may have an emissions or sensor problem and should be diagnosed.
• If light flashes, the condition is more severe and must be checked immediately to prevent catalytic converter or other damage.

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Exhaust System

• Exhaust leaks can allow carbon monoxide gas into the passenger compartment.
• Inspect for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise.

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Oil, Filters, Fluids

Engine Oil and Filter

• Check level with engine off at every fill up.
• For maximum engine life, change oil and filter every 3 months/3,000 miles

Chassis Lubrication

• Steering and suspension components may require periodic lubrication.
• Many newer cars are lubed for life – many others still require this service

Fuel Filter

• Replace filter every 2 years / 24,000 miles
• Replace if restricted or water contaminated. Restricted fuel filters shorten life of the fuel pump.

Engine Air Filter

• Replace annually or when torn, water or oil soaked, dirty or showing other signs of wear.
• Inspect filter at each oil change.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

• For maximum performance, change every 2 years / 24,000 miles
• Check fluid levels with engine running and transmission in park.

Differential, Manual Transmission and Transfer Case

• Replace fluids every 4 years / 50,000 miles using factory recommended lubricant.
• Check fluids at each oil change.

Windshield Washer Fluid

• Use washer fluid only.
• Check fluid levels monthly.

Power Steering Fluid

• Replace fluid every 2 years / 24,000 miles
• Check fluid with engine off using either “Full Cold” or “Full Hot” indicator lines on dipstick.
• If frequent topping off is required, inspect for leaks and replace if contaminated.

Cabin Air Filter

• Replace annually, or more often in areas with heavy dust or whenever heating or cooling efficiency is reduced.

Coolant (Antifreeze)

• Change coolant every 2 years / 24,000 miles, on most vehicles.
• Check level at reservoir – never open a hot radiator cap.
• If low, add 50/50 mix of approved antifreeze/coolant and distilled water.

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Steering, Suspension and Tires

• Replace tires if worn or damaged.
• Inspect steering and suspension system at least annually, including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts, such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components. Replacethese parts if leaks, damage and loose mounting hardware are found.
• Check the pressure of all tires, including the spare monthly.
• Check the tread for uneven or irregular wear and cuts or bruises along the sidewalls.
• Inflate tires and maintain at recommended pressure.

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Tune-Up

• Replace oxygen sensor at interval as recommended in owner’s manual.
• Some cars have an oxygen sensor replacement light that appears when replacement is needed
• Typical spark plug replacement intervals range between 30,000 and 100,000 miles depending on the vehicle and type of spark plug.

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Every 3,000 Miles

• Change engine oil and filter.
• Perform multi-point inspection.
• Rotate tires every other oil change for optimal tire life.

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