Bleeding brakes is not always a very fun job, especially as there can be some glitches in the process. Sometimes it works, well while other times you will end up with air in your system. The best way to bleed brakes involves doing it several times to make sure air is not trapped in your system. If you are in any way uncertain how to bleed your brakes, be sure to seek professional assistance.

Make sure that you have the right tools for the job. Pressurised brake bleeders are the best way to go. It helps ensure that there are no air bubbles trapped in the system. Air is more compressible than brake fluid and can act as a spring within your system. It absorbs energy that should be directed at the brake disc.

Vacuum bleeding kits are also a great alternative. This system can draw out brake fluid well, but there is still a chance for air bubbles. This will be especially true on cars that have rear brake function. Make sure that you fill the brake reservoir and then hook up the vacuum. The brake fluid should be sucked out easily. If it is not, there may be a potential problem in the brake line.

You can bleed your brakes manually. Someone needs to push down on the brake pedal as you would when driving then go around and drain out the fluid. This is the most recommended method to use. This method actually encourages air bubbles to dislodge due to the force of pushing on the brakes.

If you use any other method to bleed your brakes than manual, manual bleeding should at least be the final step. Always watch out for your car’s paint. Brake fluid will permanently damage the paint. Make sure not to come in contact with your car’s finish if you have brake fluid on your hands. Wearing rubber gloves can help to keep fluid off you and your car.

Make sure to check your master cylinder reservoir during the bleeding process. If your master cylinder reservoir empties, you will be adding air bubble back in. This will force you to have to start bleeding your brakes all over again.

When replacing your master cylinder you can perform what is called a dry bleed. This is just filing your cylinder in order to get it wet with fluid. This will save some time when bleeding your brakes.

When bleeding brakes, you will want to start with the wheel that is the farthest from the master cylinder. Then work in a direction that will allow you to end at the front left wheel. This will minimize air in the system. Again, bleed more than once on every wheel. The more you bleed the better off you will be.

There are a few great tips to completing a successful brake bleed. It never hurts to fill your fluid reservoir with a fluid of a different color. When you finally are receiving the new color fluid, you will know you have fresh fluid in your braking system. You should flush your brake system at least every 2-3 years. Build up and air will decrease the effectiveness of your brakes. You can catch potential problems when bleeding your brakes as well.