(Posted on Sep 25, 2018 at 05:16AM by Patrick Wensink)
Hey Patrick,
We own two cars in my family. A new Nissan Rogue that runs like a dream, and an ancient beater we’ve had for years. The older one acts funny whenever it needs to stop. How do I check for a leak??
-Miguel
Hi Miguel,
Brakes are no joke, so if there are serious concerns, we always recommend talking to a mechanic. But, if you feel confident in doing the job, there are three easy places to hunt for issues.
1. Pop the hood and locate the brake fluid reservoir. This is a tank, much like the windshield wiper’s. If it is low, pour in some more. Keep an eye on it for the next several days to determine if more is escaping.
2. If you are still unsure, look for puddles under the automobile. This is usually a sign something is not right.
3. Finally, the ultimate test involves taking off the wheel. Jack up the car and remove the lug nuts as if changing the tire. Once it is removed, look around. If there are stains or wetness on the calipers and pad, it is a problem.
Hope that is helpful. Let me know if there are any more questions.