When Should Brake Fluid be Flushed?

Blog Apr 27th, 2026

Brake fluid is one of those essential maintenance items that often gets overlooked, but it plays a critical role in your vehicle’s overall safety and performance. Over time, it naturally absorbs moisture and becomes contaminated, which can reduce braking efficiency and lead to noticeable changes in how your vehicle responds when you press the brake pedal. Flushing your brake fluid every few years or around 32,000 km helps maintain predictable braking performance every time you hit the road. Continue reading to learn more about brake fluid flushes and when it’s time to book your appointment at INFINITI Downtown in Toronto.

3 Signs Your Car Needs a Brake Fluid Flush

Neglecting to flush your brake fluid can negatively affect how your vehicle stops, causing a variety of problems that you can detect when driving or by inspecting under the hood. Here’s a look at a few of the most common telltale signs that your brake fluid is due for a flush soon:

1. Brake Pedal is Soft or Spongy

Sometimes, the signs are subtle but clearly there, especially when it comes to brake fluid that has had water make its way into the system through humidity. Instead of having a firm brake pedal, you will feel a soft, almost spongy-like brake pedal feeling, giving you a clear indication that it’s time for a brake fluid flush.

2. Poor Braking Performance

When brake fluid isn’t in good condition, it will struggle to transfer the hydraulic braking power from the brake pedal to the calipers to clamp down the brake pads onto the rotor. The result is weaker braking performance that’s even more noticeable in warm weather, causing your vehicle to require a longer distance to make a full stop.

3. Brake Fluid Colour is Dark

Brake fluid is designed to perform under extreme temperatures and must remain in good condition to ensure safe, predictable braking. Over time, contaminants, moisture, and other factors can degrade the fluid, meaning it may need to be flushed from the brake lines and replaced. You can check its condition by looking at the colour: it should be nearly clear with a slight yellow tint. If it appears darker or closer to brown, a brake fluid flush is needed immediately.

Regular Interval for Flushing Your Brake Fluid

When it comes to safety, you should never neglect to take care of your brakes, including brake fluid, which often gets missed when it comes to maintenance. If you can’t recall the last time you flushed your brake fluid or its colour looks anything other than clear with a yellow tint, it’s time for a flush. However, for regular maintenance intervals, you can follow the schedule below:

Brake Fluid Change Interval	Normal Driving Conditions	Severe Driving Conditions
Inspect Every	6-12 Months \| 7,500-10,000 km	6 Months \| 5,000-7,500 km
Flush Every	2-3 Years \| 32,000 km	1-2 Years \| 20,000 km

Note: Severe driving conditions include frequent short trips (under 5–7 km), heavy stop-and-go traffic, towing a trailer, regular driving on hills or inclines, driving on unpaved or dirt roads, and operating the vehicle in very hot or very cold temperatures.

[Check Full INFINITI Maintenance Schedule Intervals]

How can I check if my brake fluid needs to be flushed?

Other than signs that you would feel while driving the vehicle, such as poor braking performance, you can check the fluid colour, which should be clear with a yellow tint if it’s in good condition.
What colour should my INFINITI brake fluid be?

Brake fluid in good condition in your INFINITI should be clear with a hint of yellow tint. If it’s darker or closer to brown, you should consider having the brake fluid flushed as soon as possible.
Where is my INFINITI brake fluid reservoir located?

You should be able to locate your brake fluid reservoir under the hood on the driver’s side, near the firewall, close to where the brake pedal is located.
How often are you supposed to do a brake fluid flush?

It’s a good idea to flush your brake fluid every time you replace the brake pads or every 2-3 years. Contaminants can affect your brake fluid, making it perform worse, so consult with your local INFINITI dealer for advice.
What brake fluid does INFINITI use?

Most INFINITI models use DOT 3 brake fluid, but it’s always important to check your owner’s manual or what’s written on the brake fluid reservoir of your vehicle.
What happens if I put DOT 3 instead of DOT 4?

If your vehicle requires DOT 4 brake fluid and you put in DOT 3 brake fluid instead, it will cause the brakes to fade, and the pedal will feel soft in hot weather, heavy braking, or when towing a trailer.

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