Several individuals check the brake fluid level of their trucks before a long-distance trip. I check its level to ensure the braking force and resistance against sudden failures.
How to Check Brake Fluid Level on Ford F-150? You can check the brake fluid level on Ford F-150 by finding its reservoir in the hood, shaking and stabilizing it, and checking it above Max (maximum) and below Min (minimum) symbols embossed on the container.
Many people leave its reservoir without inspection. However, I inspect its volume after long traveling and once a month.
What is the method to check the brake fluid level on Ford F-150?
All Ford F-150 models have brake fluid for the standard performance of the brakes. However, it is a specific fluid that has hydraulic properties.
It can cover the force into specific pressure. As a result, this pressure impacts the braking system and stops the pickup truck when the driver pushes the pedal.
You can check the brake fluid level without using a tool. However, it has a storage container or reservoir which keeps the fluid.
It is usually white and comprises a plastic material. Moreover, it has signs of maximum and minimum on the upper and bottom sides.
You can find its level through these signs. In addition, you can find the reservoir in the hood compartment of your pickup truck.
I suggest you read the truck manual to access the reservoir position. However, you can unlock the hood and stabilize its cover.
Then, you can approach the reservoir inside the hood. It has different locations according to the type and design of the model.
The older models comprise the reservoir on the driver’s side of the pickup truck. It is inside the hood and near the side wall.
The models from 2009 to 2014 comprise it behind the coolant-containing container. However, you can find this reservoir on the rear side of the air filter on the 2015 to 2022 Ford F-150.
I open my truck hood and find it within seconds. It is on the front side of the hood due to the factory design.
You can clean its upper side with a dry cloth. Then, you can shake it for 2 to 5 seconds and leave it for stability.
You can see it from the outer side of the container. Its level above the symbol Max means the reservoir has enough fluid.
However, the fluid below maximum means it has a low volume. Sometimes, it decreases from the symbol minimum, which indicates a quick refill.
Why would you check the brake fluid level on Ford F-150?
Proper checking of brake fluid is an essential part of the monthly maintenance program.
Low levels affect brakes
Monthly checking is essential because its levels reduce with excessive consumption. However, I identify its volume after driving the truck for several hours.
Multiple stops increase the utilization of the braking system. Also, it increases pressure on the pedals and pads.
As a result, the system utilizes it more for hydraulic performance. Moreover, it changes force into required braking pressure which increases the consumption.
In such circumstances, the volume reduces. You cannot use the braking system for multiple hours when its volume is lower than the standard range.
However, its usage produces resistance and friction, which damages the braking system. As a result, it does not perform efficiently, and you cannot stop the truck properly, which causes accidents.
The malfunctioning system decreases braking force which indicates a low fluid volume. As a result, you can check its level through visual checking.
Hygroscopic properties
The brake fluid of the Ford F-150 has hygroscopic characteristics. As a result, it can absorb higher moisture content due to these properties.
However, the absorption of moisture increases when fluid exposes to external air. A loose cap of its reservoir causes moisture absorption, which is dangerous for its performance and stability.
As a result, the moisture boosts its acidic properties. In addition, it undergoes excessive degradation, which reduces its level. As a result, its boiling point decreases from the standard range.
In such circumstances, the performance of the braking system decreases. This is because you cannot use the built-in braking system to apply maximum pressure on the wheels.
You can check its reservoir and refill it according to the standard level. However, I prefer its monthly checking because it has high hygroscopic characteristics.
Lost pressure and leakage
Its reservoir comprises plastic as a manufacturing material. Its cap comprises high-quality plastic, and its upper side indicates the specific reservoir.
External pressure can damage it because plastic is susceptible to various cracks. Moreover, it undergoes damage with time.
As a result, the fluid starts leaking, which reduces its level. As a result, it can flow outside the reservoir and circulates in its hood.
You can identify a sticky liquid around the tires when the leakage increases. In addition, the pedals and their pads lose efficiency when the fluid leaks.
Moreover, the system lacks proper efficiency when internal leakage happens. As a result, the vacuum booster undergoes severe malfunctioning, and you cannot drive the pickup truck.
In such circumstances, you can check its volume in the storage container. I replace the broken reservoir or repair its parts to prevent further leakages.
Broken brake pads
The brake pads produce the frictional forces which can stop the truck. However, they undergo cracks and wear out when its level decreases from the minimum range.
I instantly check my fluid reservoir by opening the hood. The braking system does not function at the standard threshold when the fluid cannot provide enough support.
Mechanical parts crack and reduce the stopping and frictional force. The broken pads over the pedals are one of the most significant indications of reduced fluid level.
When would you check the brake fluid level on Ford F-150?
The brake fluid decreases in the reservoir because it has moisture-absorbing properties. Excessive usage and pressurized braking result in its reduction.
In such circumstances, the built-in sensors identify the low levels. They can send signals to the dashboard system, and a warning light appears.
It is a round light with an exclamation symbol. The light is red and indicates low fluid. Therefore, you cannot drive the pickup truck at slow or high speed.
I stop my Ford f150 instantly when the warning light appears. You can open the hood after stopping the truck.
Then, you can inspect the fluid reduction range. You can add compatible fluid to the reservoir.
How often do you check brake fluid on Ford F-150?
Brake fluids stabilize the performance of the braking system. It makes the mechanical parts efficient and reduces frictional effects.
The standard interval for its replacement is about three years. However, you can check it once a year.
But, I inspect its condition and level every 6 to 8 months for maximum efficiency. You can reduce the inspection interval according to the condition of the storage container.
The plastic cap of the reservoir can break over time. In such circumstances, you can check the storage container and prevent the liquid from moisture-based degradation.
Frequent checking prevents corrosion accumulation inside the container. As a result, the system remains rust-free and stabilizes for several years.
However, you cannot increase the checking schedule from the interval of twelve months. So a few people leave them without checking for 2 to 3 years.
As a result, they face braking challenges, and components undergo frequent failures. These catastrophic damages are costly to repair and consume additional effort.
The repaired system does not function properly and is susceptible to further cracks. Therefore, I prefer frequent checking to avoid container repairs and replacements.
It keeps the system stable, and you can stop the truck wheels with standard frictional force and hydraulic pressure.
Related Articles:
What does an EV coach do on a Ford F150?