Should I Change My Brake Fluid?

What Mississippi Drivers Need to Know About This Critical (and Often Ignored) Service

Brake fluid: It’s not flashy. It doesn’t get an oil sticker. It rarely shows up in a maintenance conversation. But it’s quietly one of the most important safety components in your vehicle.

At William Wells Tire & Auto, serving Starkville, Columbus, and West Point, MS, we’ve seen what happens when brake fluid gets ignored. Seized calipers. Rusted brake lines. Failing ABS modules. And the truth is—most of it could have been prevented with one simple service.

So, if you’ve never changed your brake fluid—or don’t know if you should—this guide is for you.

What Does Brake Fluid Actually Do?

Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that transfers the force from your foot pressing the brake pedal into pressure applied at the wheels—stopping your car. It works under extreme pressure and heat, and it’s crucial for:

• Even brake force across all wheels
  
  
• Proper function of ABS and traction control
  
  
• Preventing corrosion inside brake lines and cylinders
  
  
• Maintaining braking power, even in emergencies
  
  

But here’s the issue: brake fluid is hygroscopic—meaning it absorbs moisture over time. And that’s when problems begin.

Why Brake Fluid Wears Out—Especially in Mississippi

In Mississippi, we deal with heat, humidity, and sudden seasonal shifts—all of which accelerate brake fluid contamination.

As brake fluid absorbs moisture, it:

• Lowers the boiling point, leading to brake fade under heavy braking
  
  
• Promotes internal rust, especially in steel brake lines
  
  
• Turns acidic, damaging rubber seals and ABS components
  
  
• Becomes sludgy and dark, reducing pedal response and pressure
  
  

If you’re commuting from Mississippi State University, driving rural roads around Lowndes or Oktibbeha County, or towing equipment in Clay County, your brake system is working harder than you think—and your fluid may be wearing out faster than you realize.

How Often Should You Change Your Brake Fluid?

Most manufacturers recommend changing brake fluid every 2 to 3 years or 30,000 miles. But in a high-humidity region like Mississippi, you may need to change it more frequently.

Other factors that impact service timing:

• Stop-and-go traffic in Starkville or Columbus
  
  
• Long commutes, especially with elevation or rural routes
  
  
• Older vehicles with ABS or stability control
  
  
• Driving through rain, humidity, or muddy conditions
  
  

At William Wells Tire & Auto, we don’t guess. We test your fluid using moisture analysis strips and visual inspections to make sure you only change it when needed.

Signs Your Brake Fluid May Need Replacing

Most brake fluid problems don’t trigger a warning light—so you have to pay attention to symptoms like:

• Brake pedal feels soft, squishy, or sinks slowly
  
  
• Brakes are slow to respond
  
  
• ABS light is on
  
  
• Fluid in the reservoir is dark brown or black
  
  
• You can’t remember the last time it was flushed
  
  

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to get your system checked before more serious (and expensive) problems develop.

What’s Involved in a Brake Fluid Flush?

At William Wells Tire & Auto, we offer full brake fluid flushes at all three locations using manufacturer-recommended procedures and fluids. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Brake fluid tested for moisture and contamination
   
   
2. Old fluid flushed from all brake lines and components
   
   
3. Refill with fresh, high-grade DOT brake fluid
   
   
4. Brake system bled to remove air and restore pressure
   
   
5. Test drive and pedal pressure check to confirm system safety
   
   

Our ASE-certified technicians use professional tools and treat your vehicle like it’s their own—whether you're a student at MSU or a lifelong resident of West Point or Columbus.

What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Brake Fluid?

Neglecting this service can lead to:

• Corroded brake lines that leak and eventually fail
  
  
• Damaged ABS modules (replacement cost: $1,200–$2,000+)
  
  
• Brake fade during hot-weather stops or long downhill descents
  
  
• Calipers locking up or dragging, causing uneven wear
  
  
• Complete loss of braking power when you need it most
  
  

All preventable with a routine fluid flush that costs far less than any of those repairs.

Why Choose William Wells Tire & Auto?

With three trusted locations across Starkville, Columbus, and West Point, William Wells Tire & Auto has built a reputation for straightforward service, high-integrity recommendations, and true automotive care.

Why our customers trust us:

• We test before we flush—you’ll never be sold a service you don’t need
  
  
• We use OEM-grade brake fluid, not generic chemicals
  
  
• We employ ASE-certified professionals with deep experience
  
  
• We serve generations of families throughout Mississippi
  
  

Whether you're a parent hauling kids in West Point, a student at MSU, or commuting daily to Columbus—we help your brakes stay safe and responsive.

Final Word: Brake Fluid Isn’t Optional—It’s Essential

If your brake fluid is dirty or degraded, your entire brake system is vulnerable. It’s not just about performance—it’s about safety, cost prevention, and peace of mind.

Let us help you catch small problems before they become big ones.

Schedule Your Brake Fluid Flush Today

📍 William Wells Tire & Auto
Starkville: 12919 MS-182, Starkville, MS 39759 – (662) 268-4081
Columbus: 1625 Gardner Blvd, Columbus, MS 39702 – (662) 240-2414
West Point: 93 W Broad St, West Point, MS 39773 – (662) 495-8558
🌐 https://www.williamwellstireandautorepair.com

Proudly serving Starkville, Columbus, West Point, Mississippi State University, Oktibbeha County, Lowndes County, and Clay County.

For more information please watch the video

https://youtu.be/61ujJe1lnGA