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How do I change the brake fluid?

How to replace brake fluid step by step and why is it so important? We suggest

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You need about 4 min. to read this post

How to change brake fluid by yourself? It is well known that road safety must be our priority and we must not economize on it. From a slightly different perspective: we are able to perform this operation ourselves, so why overpay? Finding the golden mean among these dilemmas requires some knowledge about the replacement

Changing brake fluid. Why is it so important?

First of all, during normal use the hygroscopic properties of brake fluid manifest themselves. It absorbs water very easily, to which leaky brake cylinders may also contribute. Then the substance may radically change its properties. Why is it so important to replace the brake fluid?

What do I need brake fluid for?

Brake fluid plays a very important role, especially in a situation of sudden braking: the substance has the task of transferring forces from the brake pedal to the brake pads

What fluid should be filled in the brake fluid reservoir?

Problems can occur not only when the brake fluid has not been changed for a long time but also when the brake fluid reservoir is filled with a poor quality substance

A good quality brake fluid should work regardless of the circumstances on the road – even in extreme situations the braking time should be as short as possible. At the same time, the brake system should be protected against corrosion. Its use should extend the service life of the braking system.

When to empty and refill the brake fluid reservoir?

The basic question is: when should the brake fluid be replaced? A wide variety of factors will affect its durability and usefulness. As a general rule, however, it is recommended that it be replaced every two years. An alternative measure that indicates the need for intervention can, of course, be the number of kilometers driven. In this case, replacement of the brake fluid is recommended after every 40,000 km.

How to change brake fluid step by step?

First of all, it is worth noting that both a good quality brake fluid and its replacement by a mechanic are not large expenses. The purchase of the substance alone amounts to several PLN for 0.5 l. A visit to the mechanic is an additional few dozen PLN invested in your own safety. Before we find out how to replace the brake fluid, it is worth noting that only those who feel capable of doing so should do it themselves. How to go about it?

Photo: Andrea Piacqiadio/Pexels

Choosing the type of brake fluid

What substance should be used to fill the brake fluid reservoir in order for the brake system to work perfectly? There are various products available on the market. They are usually classified into three categories:

  • DOT-3,
  • DOT-4,
  • DOT-5.

The most popular option is currently the use of DOT-4. However, individual variants differ e.g. in terms of boiling point. Therefore it is worth finding out first which type of substance will be well adjusted to a given car model. What is very important, different types of the fluid must not be mixed together, because the consequences of creating such a concoction may be lamentable for our safety on the road.

How to change brake fluid? Instruction

How to change the brake fluid in home conditions? You will need:

  • battery-operated wheel wrench,
  • torque wrench,
  • air bleed kit,
  • a reservoir for used fluid,
  • a lug wrench

After driving on the jack and unscrewing the wheels we have to unscrew the plug and suck out the used fluid, but in such a way that the fluid level does not reach the bottom (then the venting will be longer). After pouring in, the new fluid should be distributed around the reservoir by “pumping” the brake, which can be done by the person who happens to be helping us. During this time, you should also unscrew and screw on the vents at subsequent calipers until clear fluid starts to come out.

Main photo: Kritchai/Adobe Stock

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Moto&tech

Which industries can benefit from M2M technology?

M2M technology has been around for some time now, and it has revolutionized many industries.

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M2M technology has been around for some time now, and it has revolutionized many industries. M2M technology provides businesses with a way to automate tasks, reduce costs, and gain insights into their operations. 

Automotive

M2M technology is quickly becoming an essential part of the automotive industry, providing a range of solutions that improve safety, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. Automotive companies can use M2M technology to remotely monitor and control their vehicles, track driver behavior and diagnose problems more quickly and accurately. M2M also allows for automated driving systems, providing increased safety on roads and highways. In addition, car manufacturers can use M2M technology to collect real-time data from their cars, which can be used to improve product designs, optimize service delivery, and even provide targeted marketing. By leveraging the power of M2M technology, automotive companies can ensure their vehicles are safer, more reliable, and better performing than ever before.

Healthcare

M2M technology is revolutionizing the healthcare industry. By providing real-time communication between medical devices, systems, and patient data, M2M technology can increase the efficiency of healthcare services and provide better patient care. One of the most important applications of M2M technology in healthcare is the monitoring of vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. With M2M technology, healthcare providers can have access to real-time information on patient vital signs, making it easier to detect changes in health status and provide appropriate care. This can help to reduce hospital readmissions and improve overall patient outcomes. M2M technology can also be used to track medical supplies, from drugs and medical equipment to patient files. This helps to ensure that all medical supplies are kept up-to-date and easily accessible for both staff and patients. 

Transportation

Transportation has been a major beneficiary of Machine to Machine (M2M) technology. Thanks to the ability to track and monitor vehicles, companies can optimize their resources, maximize efficiency, and reduce costs. Companies such as airlines, shipping firms, and trucking companies can benefit from the use of M2M technology to monitor their fleets. M2M technology allows for real-time tracking of vehicle location and speed, as well as other important information such as fuel consumption and engine performance. This data can be used to identify trends in routes taken, which can help to optimize delivery times.

Main photo: Adi Goldstein/unsplash.com

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How to keep your car clean?

It is said that the appearance of a car testifies to the owner of the vehicle. See how to take care of your car to make it shine clean!

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The car is not only your faithful friend and servant, but also your “second skin”. Dirt, traces of bird droppings on the bodywork, stains on the windows and cigarette ash on the seat upholstery are not the best indication of the owner of even the most “dashing” car. Learn to take care of your car so that it serves you for as long as possible and enhances your image!

Regularly wash your car

The cleanliness of your car is affected by many factors, from the salt poured on the roads in winter to the resin and sap dripping from the trees in spring and summer. All of this looks unsightly, and also pisses into the body and affects the components in the car. Regular washing is the main recommendation when it comes to maintaining cleanliness. It is especially important to wash the invisible parts of the vehicle, such as the chassis and rims. Their recesses accumulate dirt that is difficult to remove, which over time can lead to corrosion.

Don’t neglect the car’s interior

A clean, well-maintained car interior is not only a prerequisite for a comfortable and pleasant ride. Dust, greasy stains and dirt all damage the seat upholstery. Proper car care includes cleaning all interior components, including seats, doors, floor and ceiling.

Vacuum as often as possible

During the warm months, spring, summer and early autumn, you should vacuum your car at least once a month. This is the only way to protect yourself and your passengers from dust and allergens that enter the interior through open windows. 

Remember about floor mats and thresholds

Drivers often forget that the thresholds in the car should also be cleaned. Although at first glance the dirt on the thresholds is not very visible, with the doors open the car looks unsightly. The floor mats should also be taken care of, especially after rain and snow. Rubber floor mats simply need to be washed with water, and those made of fabric – shaken out and vacuumed.

Lights and windows

Clean lights and windows are a prerequisite for safe driving. Streaks and mud on windows and headlights impair visibility, leading to accidents on the road. Headlights should be washed after every long drive. From time to time, it’s also a good idea to wipe them with a special polish and clean the car lamps from the inside. Even if it’s very dark on the street, don’t wipe the lights on with a damp tissue. This will dull the surface of the headlights. Let them cool down a bit before you wipe them. 

Keep your car in order

Don’t turn your car into a small storeroom. Take only the essentials on your trip. And under no circumstances keep trash in it! Throw away coffee cups, plastic bags and bottles systematically. Arrange your purchases so that nothing falls out and rolls into a hard-to-reach place. Remember, a freely moving bottle on the floor can fall under the pedals and make braking impossible!

Refrain from eating and smoking 

The best way to keep your car clean is to fully prohibit smoking and eating in the car. This is the only way to protect yourself from greasy stains, as well as ubiquitous cigarette ash. If you can’t do without snacks, get yourself a small lunch box and put a separate waste container on the floor.

main photo: unsplash.com/Oliur

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Automatic or manual transmission – advantages and disadvantages

“Automatic” or “manual”? Is either transmission better or does it all depend on the personal preferences of the driver? Learn the advantages and disadvantages of both solutions before you make a decision on the purchase of a car!

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Among motorists, the arguments about what is better: automatic or manual transmission are not quieting down. Proponents of traditional solutions complain about the automatic transmission, proving that there is nothing better than “manual”. Others again praise the convenience of the “automatic” and vow never to return to a manual transmission. As in any dispute, each side is a little bit right. We will try to give you a factual presentation of the pros and cons of both solutions. 

Manual transmission – advantages

Ability to use the full dynamics of the engine

On a manual transmission you can immediately accelerate your car to the highest speed. A classic automatic at a certain rpm begins to shift gears, so a manual transmission provides greater driving dynamics.

Lower fuel consumption

With efficient gear shifting, as well as the ability to idle, you can save a lot on fuel. Such benefits will not be provided by an automatic transmission, in which even putting in slack while driving is discouraged.

Lower oil consumption

Every transmission needs a special fluid. An automatic transmission requires 6 to 10 liters of oil, while a mechanical transmission requires about 3 liters.

Manual transmission – disadvantages

Driving comfort

The first disadvantage of a manual transmission is lower driving comfort, which is felt primarily by novice drivers. They find the starting maneuver especially difficult, as well as driving uphill.

Clutch

Poorly dynamic and smooth driving can lead to clutch burnout. And this caution applies especially to inexperienced drivers. And replacing the clutch is already an expensive repair, which automatic drivers, by definition, do not have to worry about.

Engine life

Lower engine life in cars with mechanical transmissions is due to the fact that their drivers easily allow the engine to overheat, especially if they like to drive fast.

Automatic transmission – advantages

Different dynamics

While a classic automatic with a torque converter actually severely limits the car’s performance, automatic dual-clutch transmissions such as DSG perform better than a manual transmission. When driving on such an automatic, two gears are engaged at the same time, which makes shifting up or down very fast.

Different fuel consumption

A classic automatic actually consumes more fuel, but newer models or transmissions use much less fuel than manual transmissions.

Smoothness of driving

An automatic transmission means a more comfortable driving experience. Even an inexperienced driver can smoothly, without nerves or the so-called “kangaroo”, start the car without posing a risk on the road.

Longer engine and transmission life

Automatic transmissions control the revs more and protect the engine from overheating.

Automatic transmission – disadvantages

As noted above, a car with a classic automatic accelerates more slowly than a vehicle with a manual transmission. The classic also has only four gears and consumes more fuel than a manual transmission. All models, both newer and older, require more transmission oil. 

The undeniable downside of automatic cars is also their higher price. The cost of operating and repairing an automatic transmission is also much higher, and you should know that according to statistics, manual transmissions break down much less often.

main photo: unsplash.com/Jean-Philippe Delberghe

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