Maintaining your Mercedes Benz deserves your utmost attention, and probably one of the most critical components to monitor is the braking system.
While the brake itself is the essential part of handling your vehicle, the liquid that powers it, brake fluid, plays an important role as well.
This post will show you the essentials of brake fluid for Mercedes Benz, which will tell you why it is important, which type you need, and, more importantly, how you maintain it.
Topic Summary
- What is Car’s Brake Fluid?
- Recommended Brake Fluid For Mercedes Benz Cars
- Are DOT4 and DOT4+ the Same?
- How Often Should You Change Your Brake Fluid?
- Signs Your Brake Fluid Needs Refilled
- How To Check And Maintain Mercedes Benz Brake Fluid?
- FAQs on Brake Fluid for Mercedes Benz
- What Type of Brake Fluid Should I Use for My Mercedes Benz?
- How Often Should I Change the Brake Fluid in My Mercedes Benz?
- What Happens If I Don’t Change the Brake Fluid Regularly?
- Can I Mix Different Types of Brake Fluid in My Mercedes Benz?
- How Can I Tell If My Brake Fluid Needs To Be Changed?
- Conclusion
What is Car’s Brake Fluid?
An example of that is brake fluid, which is a hydraulic medium used to transfer the force induced by your foot pressing the brake pedal into the brake pads so that your vehicle can stop.
In a high performance vehicle like a Mercedes Benz, the brake system is fully engineered for precise and responsive stopping power, and brake fluid also plays a role in this action.
In order for your car’s braking system to continue functioning, it must get the correct type and level of brake fluid.
If the brake fluid rises above its normal level, this can decrease your braking power and cause your Mercedes Benz to take longer to stop.
Recommended Brake Fluid For Mercedes Benz Cars
The precision engineering that goes into building Mercedes Benz vehicles extends to the brake fluid that you are required to use.
There is only one answer: DOT 4+ or DOT 4 (depending on your model). Let’s briefly look at each of them.
DOT 4 Brake Fluid
It all has a high concentration of glycol and is widely used in many vehicles, including Mercedes Benz.
It has a higher evaporation temperature than the DOT 3, so it has been widely used in high power restriction braking systems.
DOT 4+ Brake Fluid
DOT 4+ HPK fluid for MB will only provide EBCM1. Improved performance over DOT 4 under most braking conditions due to higher boiling points. Enhanced fluid for use in vehicles built after 1994 or certain higher performance models.
Are DOT4 and DOT4+ the Same?
DOT 4 and DOT 4+ are not the same but similar. They are both glycol-based brake fluids, but the DOT 4+ has the same performance level as the standard version DOT 4 enhanced.
The main difference between the two types of brake fluid is the boiling point, which is dried and wet.
DOT 4+ has a dry and wet boiling point higher than normal DOT 4, as this is recommended for high performance or newer models of braking systems that are installed on vehicles, such as many models of Mercedes Benz where the braking system is operated at higher temperatures that require more resistance to boiling.
Although suitable for many vehicles that call for DOT 4, using DOT 4+ offers improved performance and safety margins, especially when extreme driving conditions arise. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to find the proper brake fluid type.
How Often Should You Change Your Brake Fluid?
Brake fluid does get old. It can start absorbing moisture from the air, and this can cause its boiling point to decrease. It may no longer provide the same kind of stopping power you’d like.
Mercedes Benz generally recommends taking a good look at the color of the brake fluid every two years and changing it if it has turned brown.
Some cars, including the B-class, call for a change every three years, but your driving habits and the fine print for your make and model can affect the number.
Regular brake fluid changes ensure that your brakes are working properly and that you have enough stopping power when you need it.
The benefits are twofold, as checking out the brake system as a whole will allow you to spot any wear that might need addressing.
Signs Your Brake Fluid Needs Refilled
If you keep track of your brake fluid, you can spare yourself from a safety issue and save money in the long term. Some warning signs that you could need your brake fluid changed or checked include:
Spongy Brake Pedal: A soft, spongy brake pedal could mean the air in the brake lines or old brake fluid is starting to deteriorate.
Warning Lights: If there is a brake warning light on your Mercedes Benz Car’s dashboard, it’s probably an indication that your brake fluid is low or that there is a problem with the braking system.
Poor Braking Performance: If you notice your vehicle taking longer to stop than usual, it may be due to old brake fluid.
How To Check And Maintain Mercedes Benz Brake Fluid?
While its brakes might or might not seem like your kind of thing, checking the brake fluid is yours to do with a little instruction. This is how.
1. Locate the Brake Fluid Reservoir
In most Mercedes Benz cars, the brake fluid reservoir is situated at the rear end of the engine compartment, close to the front windshield.
2. Check the Fluid Level
There must be a minimum max marking on the reservoir so that the brake fluid is between these two levels.
3. Inspect the Fluid Color
Brake fluid should be clear or have a light yellow hue. If it looks darker or murkier, it’s time for a change.
4. Top Up if Necessary
However, if you find the level to be low, simply top up the reservoir with brake fluid of the type recommended in Mercedes Benz factory workshop literature, and do not overfill.
FAQs on Brake Fluid for Mercedes Benz
What Type of Brake Fluid Should I Use for My Mercedes Benz?
For Mercedes Benz, the company recommends DOT 4+ or DOT 4 brake fluid, depending on your model. DOT 4+ is an updated formula for professional use that provides better performance than DOT 4 when braking at very high temperatures. Check your owner’s manual to see what your car requires.
How Often Should I Change the Brake Fluid in My Mercedes Benz?
According to Mercedes Benz, every two years can be longer in less demanding conditions. Changing your brake fluid on a regular basis maintains your braking lock and keeps you safe on the road.
What Happens If I Don’t Change the Brake Fluid Regularly?
When brake fluid is contaminated, it can eventually pick up moisture that reduces its boiling point. That, in turn, makes it less effective at transferring hydraulic force to the wheel brakes. It can eventually lead to longer stopping distances and, since the fluid no longer boils away, a squishy brake pedal. This, in the worst case, can lead to brake system failure. Brake fluid is a highly hygroscopic liquid, which means it gradually picks up moisture. For this reason alone, you should be changing your brake fluid regularly.
Can I Mix Different Types of Brake Fluid in My Mercedes Benz?
With that said, it’s usually unadvisable to mix and match brake fluid types. Brake fluid is a complicated beast when it comes down, but most fluids out there represent a compromise between providing the optimal fluid system performance, operation, and serviceability. This is why it’s important to heed the brake fluid type as prescribed in your owner’s manual to maintain the performance of your brake system.
How Can I Tell If My Brake Fluid Needs To Be Changed?
Your brake fluid can be checked by looking at its color and level in the reservoir. The fluid should be clear or a pale yellow color. It is time for a change if you find a squidgy brake pedal, exclamation point or a brake warning light on your car’s dashboard.
Conclusion
Keeping the correct type of brake fluid in your Mercedes Benz is a key part of your safety and the performance of your vehicle, whether you drive a luxury sedan or a performance AMG model.
With the correct brake fluid maintained persistently on your recommended service schedule, your Mercedes Benz brakes will continue to function with immediate responsiveness. Routine maintenance can keep you safe and prolong the life of your car.
If you can’t tell what spec your Mercedes brake fluid needs or if it starts giving you warning signs that your braking system isn’t working as it should, your best bet is to visit a Mercedes Benz dealership and have a certified Mercedes technician inspect your car.