Break fluid level needs changing

[BobbyBobBob]

Hi

Recently the red flashing light has come on the dashboard of my car indicating that the break fluid needs changing. I have never done this before and want to make sure I do it correctly. I have read somewhere that you need the correct DOT grade when re filling otherwise it will cause break failure.

So does anybody know what DOT grade is used for a FORD FIESTA ENCORE 1.3 YEAR 98?

Thanks.

[berniecuddles]

try your local halfords bobby they are very helpful, well my local one is!

[jake-the-peg]

That light almost certainly means that the level is low and not that it needs changing

Your enine bay probably looks a bit like this
http://www.team-bhp.c...-mo-13000km-e-bay.jpg

the brake fluid reservoir is the white one top right ( yours will probably be on the other side)

There'll be a min/max level and it will be low

You get a small bottle of DOT4 ( pretty much all cars will be DOT4 unless they're really quite high end ) and top it up

Job done - don't keep brake fluid for too long - it tends to go off

If the fluid level indicator light comes on again anytime soon take it to a garage because it will probably indicate a leak in the hydraulic circuit.

But as Bernie says Halfords will help you for a couple of quid or free if you're lucky

[chas2008]

not come accross a warning light indicating it needs changing just low level, latest level brake fluid is DOT4 or DOT 5 on high performance vehicles, you WONT be sold the wrong spec !
Complete brake fluid change should be carried out every 'X' amount of years or mileage , in reality it hardly ever gets done, it should be checked for moisture content .
There are a few types of tester on the market but to be honest if in doubt its cheaper just to change the fluid !!

[BobbyBobBob]

thanks guys. I will get some DOT 4. I forgot to mention before, that the warning light was more of a flicker on and off. It wasn't a permanent red light. I noticed It tended to come on when going over speed bumps and applying the brake more.

I'll get some anyway

Thanks again.

[chas2008]

really does sound just low, not sure if its applicable to your vehicle but a lot of early Fords had a small rubber disc/diaphragm on the master cylinder cap which quite often perished which allowed the float/sensor to give a false reading .
There will be max/min markings on the reservoir

[BobbyBobBob]

ok. Thats brilliant. Thanks for your help. One last thing, roughly how long have i got before i need to refill with brake fluid bearing in mind I only noticed it a couple of days ago. Only reason I ask is because my local Halfords is still quite a distance away, and I have seen some DOT 4 Synthetic Brake Fluid 250ml on Amazon that I may order. Do they sell at garages??

Thanks

[gsr600]

is your level low because the pads/shoes are getting very low & need changing, as the level will change also once new parts are fitted, if you don't know what your doing with brakes - then leave it to somebody who does please.

[chas2008]

i would think most service stations/garages would sell it

[leighb]

Better still, hand your license back to DVLA and forget driving, you are a danger to have on the road.