We’re here to help you find the perfect vehicle for all of your Providence, RI adventures. We’ve got new and pre-owned vehicles for you to explore and we’ll make sure your vehicle-buying experience is smooth and straightforward. With that being said, you can continue to count on our team of professionals long after you’ve left the showroom.
We’ve got plenty of service tips to ensure your vehicle won’t let you down on the Cranston, RI roads. One service item you should consider performing is to bleed your brakes. Not sure how to bleed brake lines? We’re here to help. See the steps for how to bleed brakes by yourself with MINI of Warwick!
Why Bleed Your Brakes?
Before we touch on how to bleed brakes, why should you bleed your brakes in the first place? As you’re driving around Newport, RI, moisture could start to build up in your brake lines. Brake fluid starts to allow moisture into your braking system as it breaks down.
Air and water in your brake lines could cause your brakes to feel unresponsive. It’s important to know how to bleed brakes by yourself so your braking system can perform as intended when you’re behind the wheel.
How To Bleed Brakes By Yourself
We suggest you reference your owner’s manual for details on how to bleed brake lines. Your brakes play a major role in ensuring safe travels and the actual process can vary depending on your exact vehicle.
Additionally, some vehicles require a special process to bleed brake lines and our suggestion is to have our team of professionals bleed your brakes for you. However, if you’ve confirmed you’re able to bleed your brakes in your own garage, the actual process is typically simple and straightforward. Here are the general steps for how to bleed brakes:
- Grab the recommended brake fluid for your vehicle from our parts center.
- Jack up your vehicle at the recommended jack points.
- Remove all of your wheels.
- Start loosening the bleeding screws on your brake calipers.
- Tighten three screws to avoid air bubbles.
- Inspect the master cylinder reservoir to ensure it has the correct brake fluid level. Leave the cap unscrewed on the master cylinder.
- Attach a piece of tubing over your bleeder screw. The other end of the tube should go into an empty fluid holder. Keep the holder above the bleeder screw’s height.
- With your vehicle off, have someone pump your brakes until they feel the resistance in your brake pedal.
- With steady pressure on the brake pedal, slightly open the bleeder screw.
- As the brake pedal reaches the floor, tighten the bleeder screw.
- Check the master cylinder reservoir to ensure the brake fluid level is correct. If not, continue to add more brake fluid.
- Repeat steps eight through 11 until the fluid stream no longer has any air bubbles. You may have to repeat this process several times.
- When you’re done, have someone quickly apply and release the brake pedal and take note of the master cylinder reservoir. If you notice any bubbles in the reservoir, repeat the process of bleeding your brakes.
- Tighten the bleeder screws and put the wheels back on your car. Don’t overly tighten the bleeder screws.
Get Brake Service in Warwick
Still not sure how to bleed brake lines? We can help at MINI of Warwick. Our service professionals will ensure your vehicle’s braking system is in proper working order. Get in touch with us today to learn more!
