If your fluid level drops frequently, you could lose brake fluid through a brake fluid leak, or your brake pads may be severely worn. Leaks in the brake lines, calipers or rear cylinders should be addressed immediately. Also, if your brake pedal feels spongy or sinks to the floor, it’s time to get your brakes […]

How to Check Brake Fluid at Home


If your fluid level drops frequently, you could lose brake fluid through a brake fluid leak, or your brake pads may be severely worn. Leaks in the brake lines, calipers or rear cylinders should be addressed immediately.

Also, if your brake pedal feels spongy or sinks to the floor, it’s time to get your brakes inspected. Beyond simply having low brake fluid, issues with the master cylinder or brake lines can be serious.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.