the best and cheapest solution, every year i just empty out the reservoir with a giant syringe attached to a short tubing then refill it with Valvoline synthetic dot 3 and 4 compatible brake fluid. I've doing that for 45+ years to all of my cars and they are all at least 150K+ miles, matter of fact, my wife Lexus RX300 is close to 300K miles.
5:48 model 3 brake pads are self cleaning. if you dont use them it will automatically engage the brakes slightly - which can be heared by the brakes making noise for a few kms.
Thanks for the video. My only concern is that the fluid in the reservoir may not be representative of the fluid at the calipers. I've got a 2015 Model S that I bought second hand 2 years ago. I am about to change the brake fluid (as I'm unsure of its service history). If I can buy those test strips here in Australia I'll test the fluid in the reservoir and at the calipers to compare. I'll post a video on my channel and comment back here when I do. Cheers from Down Under.
I had someone else point that out to me. Let me know how your testing of the fluid at the calipers turns out. As far as I know, the fluid mixes within the whole system, and gives a good heads up on the condition. Thanks for the comment.
Great tips but shouldn’t you test the fluid closer to the calipers? When I have replaced my break fluid in my cars and bikes the colour has been different when it pours out. Often a darker colour close to the caliper. It would have been interesting to see that test.
Unfortunately this video does not address the most important thing to test in the brake fluid: moisture content. And as others have suggested, when testing with these strips for copper contamination, testing in the reservoir does not give accurate information.
Love the videos. Shouldn't you test the brake fluid for % water content as well as the corrosivity that you did with the test strip? I also heard those pen testers aren't the greatest though.
Stephen Arienti As far as I know, the test strip is using the corrosion to indirectly test for water content. If you know of a test that shows percent water, please contact me.
Awesome test to perform every year! I wonder if the fluid will last longer because it is rarely subject to high heat or will that allow water to accumulate? I suppose that since the system is sealed, except when that cap is removed, that the brake fluid will last an incredible amount of time?
I think we should read this article from Firestone: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BRAKE FLUID www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/blog/brakes/everything-you-need-to-know-about-brake-fluid/ Checking copper contents is the only way to test brake fluid in modern cars.
Have you seen the expensive brake pads that are sold specifically for cars with strong regenerative brakes? It could be through the electrified garage?
Hi auto technician here the difference between dot 3 and dot 4 is the boiling point so (and this is just for preference) if you use your Tesla performance for race track use. It better to use DOT 4 for higher boiling point to prevent any accidents but downside to it is you need to replace it at a shorter span than dot3 and it’s important to NOT mix them otherwise and like you explained. Go with Tesla’s recommendations if you’re just doing regular driving and not all crazy 👍
I have a question, you are testing the fluid in the reservoir, what about the fluid that is in the calipers, I believe the fluid is residual in the calipers, it doesn't move from the caliper to the reservoir. So the fluid in the caliper could be more contaminated than the fluid residing in the reservoir? Am I correct?
I found the Tesla service manual and it shows how to test by bleeding the caliper a few drops and putting that on the test strip. I’ll make an update video on this at some point. service.tesla.com/docs/Model3/ServiceManual/en-us/GUID-AA717A3B-2077-43B4-B5AF-AF2E3CC9539A.html
BTW...as far as brake fluid goes...there is one that basically has no equivalent in performance + anti-hygroscopic ability. It’s well known in the performance car/race industry: Castrol React SRF ...and they know it, hence the price. If you ever replace I highly recommend. Castrol SRF Racing Brake Fluid - 1 Liter 12512 www.amazon.com/dp/B002TM4GBQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_KgjbFbSH5EVJ3
Thanks for a great video, this is very helpful. I am approaching my 2 years mark soon.
the best and cheapest solution, every year i just empty out the reservoir with a giant syringe attached to a short tubing then refill it with Valvoline synthetic dot 3 and 4 compatible brake fluid. I've doing that for 45+ years to all of my cars and they are all at least 150K+ miles, matter of fact, my wife Lexus RX300 is close to 300K miles.
😩Thank you. I have an exam for pre trip inspection and I didn’t know even how to find the fluid location
5:48 model 3 brake pads are self cleaning. if you dont use them it will automatically engage the brakes slightly - which can be heared by the brakes making noise for a few kms.
Thanks for the video.
My only concern is that the fluid in the reservoir may not be representative of the fluid at the calipers.
I've got a 2015 Model S that I bought second hand 2 years ago. I am about to change the brake fluid (as I'm unsure of its service history). If I can buy those test strips here in Australia I'll test the fluid in the reservoir and at the calipers to compare.
I'll post a video on my channel and comment back here when I do.
Cheers from Down Under.
I had someone else point that out to me. Let me know how your testing of the fluid at the calipers turns out. As far as I know, the fluid mixes within the whole system, and gives a good heads up on the condition. Thanks for the comment.
Great tips but shouldn’t you test the fluid closer to the calipers? When I have replaced my break fluid in my cars and bikes the colour has been different when it pours out. Often a darker colour close to the caliper.
It would have been interesting to see that test.
I'll look into that. I have a mobile tech contact and I will check with him.
I was just going to say the same thing.
@@MTNRanger what's the update?
Unfortunately this video does not address the most important thing to test in the brake fluid: moisture content. And as others have suggested, when testing with these strips for copper contamination, testing in the reservoir does not give accurate information.
Love the videos. Shouldn't you test the brake fluid for % water content as well as the corrosivity that you did with the test strip? I also heard those pen testers aren't the greatest though.
Stephen Arienti As far as I know, the test strip is using the corrosion to indirectly test for water content. If you know of a test that shows percent water, please contact me.
@@MTNRanger The test strip is measuring the amount of Copper in the system. Not the percentage of water. You should do both tests.
@@ckhayne2 Thanks, I will purchase a water content tester and follow up with my five year update.
Awesome test to perform every year! I wonder if the fluid will last longer because it is rarely subject to high heat or will that allow water to accumulate? I suppose that since the system is sealed, except when that cap is removed, that the brake fluid will last an incredible amount of time?
Yes, that is my guess too.
I think we should read this article from Firestone: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BRAKE FLUID
www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/blog/brakes/everything-you-need-to-know-about-brake-fluid/
Checking copper contents is the only way to test brake fluid in modern cars.
Have you seen the expensive brake pads that are sold specifically for cars with strong regenerative brakes? It could be through the electrified garage?
I'm aware of them. Electrified garage will be opening a new location not too far from me. I'll be checking them out.
Hi auto technician here the difference between dot 3 and dot 4 is the boiling point so (and this is just for preference) if you use your Tesla performance for race track use. It better to use DOT 4 for higher boiling point to prevent any accidents but downside to it is you need to replace it at a shorter span than dot3 and it’s important to NOT mix them otherwise and like you explained. Go with Tesla’s recommendations if you’re just doing regular driving and not all crazy 👍
Thanks for the input, I appreciate it!
2:30 did your car come with the cover for the airbox? Or did you buy that from a third party? (On the left with a couple leaves on it)
It is a modified cover. I removed the plastic center holes (too restrictive) and installed the wire mesh. ua-cam.com/video/B-z1gbjovJA/v-deo.html
I have a question, you are testing the fluid in the reservoir, what about the fluid that is in the calipers, I believe the fluid is residual in the calipers, it doesn't move from the caliper to the reservoir. So the fluid in the caliper could be more contaminated than the fluid residing in the reservoir? Am I correct?
I found the Tesla service manual and it shows how to test by bleeding the caliper a few drops and putting that on the test strip. I’ll make an update video on this at some point. service.tesla.com/docs/Model3/ServiceManual/en-us/GUID-AA717A3B-2077-43B4-B5AF-AF2E3CC9539A.html
I mean, you have to use the brakes some time, to make them works.
How many miles you got on it?
Around 27,000 miles when tested.
Tesla Tips by MTN Ranger gosh. I’m at two years too and have 11k. So I should be good.
BTW...as far as brake fluid goes...there is one that basically has no equivalent in performance + anti-hygroscopic ability. It’s well known in the performance car/race industry: Castrol React SRF
...and they know it, hence the price. If you ever replace I highly recommend.
Castrol SRF Racing Brake Fluid - 1 Liter 12512 www.amazon.com/dp/B002TM4GBQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_KgjbFbSH5EVJ3
Interesting, I will definitely consider this. Thanks for your comment.
Tesla Tips by MTN Ranger P3D owner here BTW 😀