Your motorhome deserves to be safe and reliable for every journey. With professional brake fluid replacement, you can have confidence that your braking system is performing as it should, even under the extra weight and demands of a motorhome. Expert care helps protect vital brake components, maintain safe stopping performance, and keep your motorhome road-ready, so you can travel with complete peace of mind.
Brakes That Keep Up with Adventure
- Personal on-site assessment
- Helps maintain safe and reliable braking performance under the weight of a motorhome
- Protects brake components from internal corrosion caused by moisture-contaminated fluid
- Supports MOT and roadworthiness requirements with manufacturer-recommended maintenance
Brake Fluid Replacement Explained
How often should brake fluid be replaced in a motorhome?
Brake fluid in a motorhome should typically be replaced every two years, regardless of mileage.
How often should brake fluid be replaced in a motorhome?
Brake fluid in a motorhome should typically be replaced every two years, regardless of mileage.Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air over time, even if the motorhome is barely driven. Because many motorhomes spend long periods parked up, moisture contamination can actually build faster than in a regularly used car.
Over time, this moisture lowers the fluid’s boiling point and promotes internal corrosion in brake components. Following a time-based replacement schedule rather than mileage is the safest way to maintain reliable braking performance in a heavy vehicle like a motorhome.
Why does brake fluid need changing if it looks clean?
Brake fluid can be dangerously degraded even when it looks perfectly clean.
Why does brake fluid need changing if it looks clean?
Brake fluid can be dangerously degraded even when it looks perfectly clean.Unlike engine oil, brake fluid doesn’t show contamination clearly, because moisture absorption happens at a molecular level. Fluid can look clear while still containing enough water to reduce braking efficiency and increase internal corrosion.
This hidden moisture can lead to a softer brake pedal, longer stopping distances, and damage to expensive components such as calipers and ABS modules. That’s why professional testing measures moisture content rather than appearance.
What happens if I don’t change my brake fluid?
Skipping brake fluid replacement increases the risk of reduced braking performance, component damage, and potential brake failure.
What happens if I don’t change my brake fluid?
Skipping brake fluid replacement increases the risk of reduced braking performance, component damage, and potential brake failure.As moisture content rises, the fluid’s boiling point drops, which can cause brake fade under heavy braking or long descents. In extreme cases, the pedal can feel spongy or temporarily lose effectiveness.
Long term, old brake fluid can corrode brake lines, calipers, and master cylinders from the inside out. These repairs are far more costly than routine fluid replacement and can also lead to MOT or roadworthiness test failures.
Is brake fluid replacement more important on a motorhome than a car?
Yes, brake fluid replacement is often more critical on a motorhome than on a standard car.
Is brake fluid replacement more important on a motorhome than a car?
Yes, brake fluid replacement is often more critical on a motorhome than on a standard car.Motorhomes are significantly heavier than cars and place far greater demands on the braking system, especially when fully loaded. This means any reduction in braking efficiency has a bigger impact on safety.
Additionally, many motorhomes are used seasonally and sit unused for long periods, which accelerates moisture absorption in the brake fluid. Regular replacement helps counteract both the weight and storage-related risks.
How much does brake fluid replacement cost for a motorhome?
Brake fluid replacement for a motorhome usually costs more than a car, but is still relatively inexpensive compared to brake repairs.
How much does brake fluid replacement cost for a motorhome?
Brake fluid replacement for a motorhome usually costs more than a car, but is still relatively inexpensive compared to brake repairs.The cost varies depending on vehicle size, braking system complexity, and whether ABS is fitted, but it’s generally a straightforward service. Larger systems simply require more fluid and slightly more labour time.
When compared to the cost of replacing corroded brake components or failing an inspection, brake fluid replacement is a low-cost preventative measure. Most owners consider it good value for the safety it provides.
Can I replace brake fluid myself, or should a professional do it?
While experienced DIYers can replace brake fluid, most motorhome owners are better off having it done professionally.
Can I replace brake fluid myself, or should a professional do it?
While experienced DIYers can replace brake fluid, most motorhome owners are better off having it done professionally.Brake fluid replacement requires the correct bleeding procedure, suitable equipment, and an understanding of the braking system, especially on vehicles with ABS. Mistakes can introduce air into the system, reducing braking effectiveness.
Given the safety-critical nature of brakes and the size and weight of a motorhome, professional replacement offers peace of mind. It also ensures the correct fluid type is used and the system is fully checked at the same time.
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Our Team
Welcome to the team here at Bristol Caravans and Motorhomes. We’re really proud of the team, and over the years it’s been our pleasure to provide advice and services to our ever-growing loyal customers.
Thank you for trusting us with your investment.
Oakleigh Wood
Director
Eliot Carey
Manager
Tracey Allen
Service Advisor
Nick Marshall
Caravan Technician
Andy Carter
Caravan technician
Nick Clifford
Valeter
Joe Wonnacott
Senior technician
Rob Housham
driver
“We arrived at Llanfyllin, and it was raining so hard it was difficult to find our plot. Once parked up, it took just 90 seconds as we let our automatic levelling system get us level. Thank you, Bristol Caravans, for fitting our amazing levelling system.”
Jake and Carol Smith