How to Change Brake Fluid in Your Car

Brake fluid change. How to change brake fluid in your car, DIY with Scotty Kilmer. How to test brake fluid. How to bleed brakes. How to tell if you need to change the brake fluid in your car. How to service brakes. Often, it doesn't need changing and a simple test will tell you if you need to or not. DIY car repair with Scotty Kilmer, an auto mechanic for the last 50 years.
Thanks for watching!
⬇️Things I used in this video:
1. Brake Fluid Tester: amzn.to/2jO09GP
2. Mechanic’s Tool Set: amzn.to/2Bzmccg
3. Shop Towels: amzn.to/2jGDfkA
4. Disposable Gloves: amzn.to/2zSRuxO
5. Common Sense
6. 4k Camera: amzn.to/2hZ4AxX
7. Mini Microphone: amzn.to/2newgV9
8. My computer for editing / uploading: amzn.to/2i2sKYz
9. Video editing software: amzn.to/2jv5Fhf
10. Thumbnail software: amzn.to/2k7tz6C
🛠Check out my Garage to see what I use every day and highly recommend:
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This is the people's automotive channel! Learn how to fix your car and how it works. Get a chance to show off your own car on Sundays. Or show off your own car mod on Wednesdays. Tool giveaways every Monday to help you with your own car projects. Or enter your own DIY car fix to compete in the best fix of the week contest every Thursday. We have a new video every day! I've been an auto mechanic for the past 50 years and I'm here to share my knowledge with you.
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Tuesday: Auto repair video
Wednesday: Viewers car mod show off
Thursday: The Best Fix of the Week Contest AND Live podcast, car question and answer
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Sunday: Viewers car show off
Scotty Kilmer is a participant in the Amazon Influencer Program.
#savagescotty

[@scottykilmer]

Things I used in this video: 1. Brake Fluid Tester: amzn.to/2jO09GP 2. Mechanic’s Tool Set: amzn.to/2Bzmccg 3. Shop Towels: amzn.to/2jGDfkA 4. Disposable Gloves: amzn.to/2zSRuxO 5. Common Sense 6. 4k Camera: amzn.to/2hZ4AxX 7. Mini Microphone: amzn.to/2newgV9 8. My computer for editing / uploading: amzn.to/2i2sKYz 9. Video editing software: amzn.to/2jv5Fhf 10. Thumbnail software: amzn.to/2k7tz6C

[@alexbesham5854]

Scotty Kilmer how to replace a faulty ac compressor

[@mem3ntomori]

Where can I buy number 5 from?

[@badquality4069]

I suck it out with a straw

[@RB-km8ze]

I watched this at the dealership so I didn’t get ripped off! THANKS SCOTTY!$!$!

[@sergiogonzalez6047]

How?

[@RB-km8ze]

By testing the fluid

[@mfasiu]

Absolutely, you just can't trust some of these mechanics

[@itoravit3823]

Same!😂

[@ImJustLeon]

Neighbors must be like "Oh my godddd. It's Scotty doing burnouts down the street again." Lol.

[@davidh.8513]

And with a customers car too. Hahaha!

[@blackalgorithmist000]

😂😂😂

[@groofoot]

He needs to be playing 'Rev On The Red Line' by Foreigner when he does that! 8-D

[@traceyhobbs8331]

They probably don't mind much, since he probably works on there cars too.

[@InspireMe819]

this man is the best. we are blessed to have this man in this world

[@ThermoNuclearLlama]

One quick note is to never bleed the master cylinder dry. Getting all the air out of that is a real mission. If you do remove the brake fluid from the master cylinder, take out only enough to go the the 'minimum' level, then top it with fresh. Then bleed the brakes as normal, topping up with new brake fluid every so often.

[@reesekountz]

How do I bleed these breaks man I need advice asap

[@mylesg732]

Who grandfather is this? And where can I get one?

[@classicgarage9548]

Myles G whos DAD is this. Nobody likes to feel old.

[@Sc0ttPrian]

Who's son is this?

[@mjyumping]

Who's baby is this?

[@panda8bamboo161]

Who’s idea was it to conceive this?

[@Luv_Thawts]

whos fetus is this

[@jerrynerhuman2626]

Thanks Scotty,Toyota said it was time to change my brake fluid. But they didn’t say they had tested it. Always get good information from Scotty. I’m going to buy a brake fluid tester.

[@amiragraceministry401]

I’m gonna be a pro mechanic by the time I’m done with Scotty lol

[@weatherweirdo]

Wow, learning something new everyday. Thanks for the tip Scotty. I didn't know that there's a brake fluid tester. Definitely gonna look into the details on that.

[@Werewolfmage]

i had a mustang that wrecked brake fluid every 4 years. i ended up buying a Pressure bleeder. They come in handy when you do brake jobs. Love the videos!

[@nVinc3nt]

Your the best Scotty! Your videos are simple and to the point and very enjoyable to watch. I have learned so much thanks to guys like you on the internet. You are much appreciated!

[@HaikuAutomation]

Forgot to mention the mechanic will need to fill up, and cap the reservoir between corners (rear passenger, rear driver, passenger and driver). Thanks for the time you put these videos together, to the point and fast action without being over simple or overly complex.

[@Derpinguin44]

Scotty, the best thing about your videos is your sunny disposition. Keep up the great work!

[@EffroyableMat]

Thank you Mr. Scotty for talking about brake fluids. It is probably the most underestimated maintenance there is.

[@theroomshakers1950]

Scotty are you on TV in the USA - if not somebody give this guy his own show on a network - call it "Rev up your engines" with Scotty KIlmer - You are a top man giving all this information away that costs a small fortune, I myself would never try any of these repairs but a least Ill understand a bit what machanics have to do and what they charge you for. Good you tube channel thanks .

[@signalhillscooter]

Those tools are great. Everyone should have one. I take it along when helping friends buy used cars.

[@helmboy74]

Just got one of those testers my car is 7 years old and the tester showed green on the test so I don't need a brake flush as the dealer said I needed at $189.00 so thanks for the tip.

[@justinp8946]

make sure you flush your blinker fluid too.

[@Ben.e39]

I once did those and forgot my elbow grease. Not fun.

[@scottykilmer]

come on now, you could make up better names than that. I assume you are not a pro comedian

[@Ben.e39]

Scotty Kilmer Scotty! Hello! Have you ever had customers come in and claim their car had a bunch of made up problems?

[@justinp8946]

+MRsjovealek you must be dumb cause I flush mine all the time.

[@justinp8946]

+Scotty Kilmer come on Scotty, have a little sense of humor, it is somewhat original but still a laugh. I Iove your vids and I respect you.

[@duranamo4297]

When bleeding your brakes don't forget to refill the reservoir because you do not want any air getting into the system. Keep the fluid above minimum. I never fill mine to the maximum because the fluid expands due to heat.

[@petersachs764]

I agree, I'm a bit concerned Scotty missed this tip.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Also, mark with a pen where the fluid initially sits so during your final refill you only go to that line. Else, if you top off and your pads are at 50%, then the next time you change the pads, fluid can burst out of the master cylinder when the calipers are reset.

[@lawrencewheeler8868]

Angry Whale mech/techs, are told not to fill master cyl, unless there's a leak. When fluid gets low, then brakes probably need replacing.

[@paulyyy09]

@@oldtwinsna8347 explain please mate

[@hwkey88]

I like the way u say "before its too late"... nice ending ! lol

[@JonnyDIY]

Great Vid Scotty. So often is PS Fluid and Brake fluid overlooked on maintenance. Love the brake fluid tester, nifty!

[@riceoobxg]

It's like you always read my mind. You always publish a video about what I'm wondering about.

[@JimTMcDaniels1]

Cool video! It's worth noting my brake light came on and the fix in the rare reason the brake light comes on is that the master cylinder is split into 2 systems for redundancy. Generally one system for the front brakes and one for the back. So there is an internal pressure comparing pin situated between exposed to the two systems pressures so that if the pressure in one system is much lower than the other, the pin is pushed off center position and turns on your brake light. So if say a front brake system fluid valve is open or that system is full of air and you push the brake pedal down hard, the pin will snap off center because there is great pressure in one system side of it but not the other and this activates the brake light. The fix is very easy though, once the system that was open or full of air is fixed, simply press VERY hard on the brake pedal and since both systems will have a lot of pressure, the pin will snap back to center and the light will go off.

[@nilloc93]

dot 3-4 usually turns black or green when its fucked, so I just saved you $35 on a tester

[@jimmymcdaniel2231]

Sometimes you can smell that it's fucked

[@thecaveman4383]

but the one thats linked is $8 lol

[@afhostie]

Scotty Kilmer Changed brake fluid yesterday and had some spill when adding to the master cylinder. I thoroughly rinsed out that part of the engine bay but was wondering if I need to go back with soap. Thanks for all the videos!

[@SagittarianArrows]

Thanks from a gal in Sydney. So easy to understand to keep the mechanics honest!

[@mustafaahl]

IN CASE OF RIGHT HAND DRIVE VEHICLES: Start flushing the the brake fluid from Left Hand Rear. Or the easy formula is to start flushing from far side wheel from the driver and come closer.

[@ehill32]

Simple and straight to the point, couldn't ask for more.

[@not__jon]

This may be my new favorite youtuber.

[@itsnotme07]

Picked up the same tester you showed on eBay for $15. Came in handy yesterday when my local shop tried to tell me I needed the brake fluid flushed in my 97 Lincoln Mark VIII (which I did right after buying it last November). Fluid looks clear and had 0% water. Thanks for the awesome info!!

[@manuelramos4608]

I never knew there was a tester!! Thank you so much uncle Scotty!

[@eason777662893]

I think this guy is so cool. I wish i could fix my car like that.

[@matt_b...]

"I wonder if Scotty ever did a video on changing brake fluid?" Awesome vid, Scotty. While I am sure I could change the brake fluid after watching this, I don't have a second set of competent/capable hands at my disposal.

[@iH85CH001]

It really didn’t show us much of how to do it. He’s more of an entertainer than actually being informative IN THIS VIDEO. Others, he’s provided great information.

[@101Volts]

Wow, I never knew a brake fluid tester exists. Thanks, Scotty!

[@waynes.2983]

Just flushed my whole brake system. First time in 12 years. Definately needed to do it. I got some brake bleeders with one-way valves built in. Just open the bleeder and pump the pedal. No need to open and close the bleeder between pumps.

[@NRecob]

Once again, THANK YOU for the great video Scotty!

[@ktrez2000]

you can get the tester on ebay for $8.23

[@nomaam9797]

Your 1 of a just a few who say the truth ... really enjoy your videos And Toyota makes high quality vehicle's ,only if more could appreciate it

[@Eli-jp6nf]

For some reason this guy is entertaining to watch lol

[@henrikaleksandernilsen6388]

Wow! I didn't know these things existed! Quite a handy tool, and for only $35. Only problem is that if you have a Toyota, each time you want to test your brake fluid you have no idea of where you put that tester last time.

[@dwoodog]

LOL!! Thats so true.

[@MrHughes1950]

If you have never believed anything in your life, believe this: This man is a genius. Case closed.

[@jonathenhill5734]

911, what's your emergency? *me* Hi yes, Scotty's not wearing his seat belt in his intro clips.

[@LadyPantera57]

Thank you for this! My Toyota dealership is trying to tell me that my 2021 Santa needs the brake fluid to be flushed when it's only 1.5 years old. I'll definitely be getting one of those tester things!

[@vandijk1698]

I suspect Scotty showers with AT-205. Watching this in 2021 and the man hasn't aged at all....

[@tomsmith1390]

Try checking the fluid in the caliper then tell me if there is a problem. That is where the most heat takes place. I take them off and clean them on the bench and drain all the fluids in the system, when ever doing the brake pads. Nothing like a clean start to the next 80- 90,000 miles in my rigs.

[@aprillroberts]

Great info and very entertaining He should have his own tv show 👍

[@TomFentonOfficial]

Just bought one of these from a well-known auction site for £5 inc. shipping, thanks for the tip!

[@tyalmanza8]

Scotty thank you so much for your videos, quick and to the point and easy to follow i appreciate all the videos you put out

[@scottykilmer]

If you like my car help, be sure to watch my live car talk show every Saturday morning at 10 AM CST on KZbin. I answer your car questions LIVE there. Just check it out at How To Ask A Live Mechanic Car Questions Free On KZbin . And remember, every TUESDAY I upload a new video, so don’t miss them.

[@46anna1995]

Thank you I appreciate this! I conveniently need to put brake fluid in both the cars I use so now was the time to learn how to do it 😅

[@Kinixys3]

It probably also depends on where you live. I dare say moisture will build up in the brake fluid faster in S Florida than in Arizona.

[@kendowton8661]

Acura & Honda say first flush at 45k or 3 years then every 2 years 30k. I do mine every 2 years. Cheap to do and never have had problems but saw a lot of master cylinder failures in early Integras due to never changing the fluid.

[@bencrosbie]

That ending is priceless haha damn i learned a hell of alot about brakes now after watching these videos

[@Kyumie]

Here in The Netherlands it's ussual recommended around 5-7 years. It's noticable when you need to change it. I had to change mine when I had bough a second hand car and now it breaks perfectly.

[@marvitt8801]

That was very helpful and the only video I could find that gave me the exact location of the brake fluid reservoir...Thanks!!!

[@denisquin2992]

That's right this is why I always watching you before it's too late

[@zackzander4425]

Great video! Found your channel about a week ago and I have learned a lot. Keep the videos coming.

[@scottykilmer]

If you like my car help, be sure to watch my live car talk show every Saturday morning at 10 AM CST on KZbin. I answer your car questions LIVE there. Just check it out at How To Ask A Live Mechanic Car Questions Free On KZbin . And remember, every TUESDAY I upload a new video on the scotty kilmer channel on KZbin, kzbin.info , so don’t miss them.

[@recklesslyarrogant7242]

I have a toyota fj and it's awesome. I'm still not use to the motor cause I was driving gm cars for years but man is it great.

[@DOLRED]

Thanks Scotty!! I was not aware of a tester. With 4 older cars, this makes decision making more certain on brake fluid. Keeping the brake fluid good has made a big difference for my '88 and '89. The '88 was bought new.

[@tobylicious494]

Scotty Kilmer is the best!!!!

[@pleiadesglow]

Scotty, you saved the day again!!

[@tomsfruitstand6821]

In my 86 F-150 there are 2 holes in the floor. So when I need to stop I just put my feet through the floor.

[@eyuzik30]

Thanks Scotty, I was able to find a tester like you have for about 10 dollars on eBay. I never knew that they existed.

[@myboy051]

Take a look at my comment I made .

[@pinoyeh]

You are correct Scotty, American cars are just a POJ as you end up spending so much in maintenance cost. I flushed my 2006 Mazda 3 at 100K kms. and the fluid was till ok that time and I never experienced any brake fluid leaks ever since I bought that car in 2006. Great and informative video ! ! !

[@HaikuAutomation]

In dry areas, this issue is less a problem. Have gone 180,000 miles with never a brake flush, and great compression and working as good as it gets after 4 brake pad changes.

[@brianday13]

I have a Lexus at 258K and am still on the original fluid.

[@mikesmith2605]

We need more repair videos ASAP !!!!! EVERYTHING

[@karenm1017]

Sir Thank you for this video you saved me 150 dollars.

[@158mollie]

He's good, thanks for all your help Scotty

[@christianninsananda9626]

FYI... Amazon has that exact same Brake Fluid Tester for $21.95 right now with free shipping.

[@gerardoarias7907]

Even cheaper now

[@Toastmaster_5000]

hmm i had no idea these testers existed. Good to know - when it comes time for my "scheduled" brake fluid change I might get one of these.

[@Xtrndk]

Looks cheaper to just bleed and replace the fluid than it does to buy a testing kit like the one in the video.

[@scottykilmer]

+Xtrndk kit is less than 30 bucks

[@AlkalineGamingHD]

+Xtrndk Depends on your situation. Tester will last you a while. Multiple checks over the life of your car and other cars. Also a nice tool to help a pal or two out. Then they repay you with some beers and you've made your money back!

[@wardsJeepWJ]

eBay for $2.50

[@dahhhhful]

Ward Ataop yeah , they robbed him, 30 bucks !

[@BA-gn3qb]

Do you have to light a scented candle before, or after you flush?

[@forexsanjose6090]

Sounds like you can wrap a piece of sanitary pad around the cap, it’ll absorb the moisture already in the fluid thus dry up the fluid.

[@kennyomega6795]

“but of course, it’s a toyota!” LMAO 😂

[@lh98]

I say just change the fluid as preventive maintenance by no more than 80k miles 5 years even if it looks good or tests fine. The fluid u are testing in that reservoir is not the same fluid as what's sitting behind the piston of each caliper Scotty! The Caliper piston reservoir is what's holding all of the fluid that gets hot over and over and breaks down. The fluid in the engine compartment reservoir is the better of the fluid. What does everyone else think??

[@rrrogster]

I like this guy. He's spot on too. And I reealllly like his mustang!

[@jdm3gee14]

I think what Scotty was going for was that the system is sealed better than similar GM/FORD/Chrysler vehicles. I've noticed a big jump in reliability for the American brands when looking at the 5 year mark.

[@GhostGuitars]

Nice one Scotty, I'll get my mechanic to do this for me instead but I can do my other repairs

[@michaelovitch]

I do it myself every two years. 10 bucks for the fluid,one hour to flush it.

[@o0Avalon0o]

michaelovitch What do you do with the old brake fluid?

[@lh98]

o0Avalon0o recycle it with your town dump/transfer station or the auto parts stores if they accept brake fluids and motor oil.

[@kawaisit3086]

Next time you do your brake fluid video tape it and upload on KZbin

[@bigdaddyvince182]

Or you could waste your money on a fancy "brake fluid sensor" and stick it in the hole every 10 years so then you "know when to change it".

[@reinhardmazariegos2095]

michaelovitch What brake fluid do you use? Dot 3 dot 4?

[@Nick940oo]

This was helpful. Thanks Scotty K.!

[@crobulari2328]

Very good Scotty !!!. Great advice. There is not too many around like you.

[@scottykilmer]

If you like my car help, be sure to watch my live car talk show every Saturday morning at 10 AM CST on KZbin. I answer your car questions LIVE there. Just check it out at How To Ask A Live Mechanic Car Questions Free On KZbin . And remember, every TUESDAY I upload a new video, so don’t miss them.

[@Cringle84]

I have seen master Cylinder tanks with rubber bellows to prevent any air from getting in, often have to make sure they are seated properly before replacing the cap, both my cars have them.

[@samjohnson466]

Hey Scotty. I love your videos, I like the Hearst and before it's to late thing, well done.

[@metalgearsolidsnake6978]

I want a mechanic like this guy!

[@joleneguerrero4794]

I'm so glad that I subscribed to this man! He is awesome and has helped me solve a bunch of car issues 😊

[@RodJ]

Wow, never even crossed my mine to do that. Thanks again Scotty.

[@CJ-dx5mc]

Great Video Scotty.

[@HonNey-xi4ef]

Just be sure that your car is a Dual brake system. Cause the sequence of dual brake system has different sequence than single brake system. Refer to your manual. Usually its yhe nearest to brake master first. Like Honda CR-V and Accord.

[@HansLotap]

I love this guy. I learn alot from him.

[@kymalbreschtz7834]

Thanks for your tips, on detail matters. 10-4 copy

[@devonbroadhead7512]

Love this guy

[@salehmohamedal-olofi196]

Thank you for your eloquence.

[@ChrisAyalaDC5]

just for myself I got a bmw 328i i do the brake flush myself every 8 months I dont believe that 2 years thing... thats just me actually like to have a nice and clean brake fluid in there and takes more time to take off the tires than actually popping out the bleeder am I right? keep the good job I have learn a lot from

[@scottykilmer]

you're doing overkill there, if you do my test you'd find maybe you'd have to do it once every 4 years, BMWs are pretty well sealed brake systems.

[@mpape1980]

Thanks for the tip I'm gonna look for one of those testers.

[@1066gaz]

Oversize syringe technique i use now is great not only because it brings the brake pedal right up more than the old way of pressing the pedal,it draws it out instead with no pressure on the braking system. Pushing it out causes pressure on the master cylinder seals causing them to leak even worse with the easybleed system using car tyres to pressurise the system especially if you put to much pressure in the tyre to bleed it lol.

[@decem_unosquattro9538]

I've had my Toyota Corolla for 20 years and I've never tested it. 🤣😂 It's running fine still I might replace it soon.

[@mrjakarta1974]

When scotty said HYDROSCOPIC, he spits

[@X0verXDriveX]

Thanks! I didn't even know that existed!

[@timoleonkarakostas4642]

thanks Scotty ! nice tip, i already place an order for one of these testers!

[@Jw20000]

I LOVE THAT. Only mechanics understand the term "Because its a Toyota". Wouldn't want anything else. Well maybe a Lexus as they are same

[@1RAYGC]

If you live in the rust belt like I do and you car if several years old, the first thing that will happen when you try to bleed the brakes is that the bleeder will break off, now you have a real problem. Just leave well enough alone and save the break bleeding to a mechanic when you need your brakes replaced, don't go looking for and creating problems.