Parts for your 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer-Brake fluid

Brake Fluid for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer: What You Need to Know

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer is a popular choice for many drivers down under, known for its reliability and solid performance. One of the essential yet often overlooked components in its braking system is the brake fluid. Yes, the Lancer definitely uses brake fluid as part of its hydraulic braking system, which means this fluid plays a critical role in keeping the vehicle stopping safely and effectively.

Brake fluid is a special type of hydraulic fluid used in brake systems to transfer the force created when you press the brake pedal directly to the brake pads, slowing the car down. It works by acting as a medium that transmits pressure through the brake lines from the master cylinder to the brake calipers. Without this fluid, the braking system would just be a set of mechanical parts that wouldn't function properly, making your driving experience unsafe.

For the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer, the factory-recommended brake fluid is typically DOT 3 or DOT 4, which are common types of glycol-based fluids used in many passenger vehicles. These fluids have different boiling points, with DOT 4 generally having a higher wet and dry boiling point compared to DOT 3, meaning they perform better under the extreme heat created by heavy or aggressive braking. Using the correct brake fluid type is vital because mixing different types or using sub-par quality fluids can lead to reduced brake performance and even damage to the braking system components.

The brake fluid in your Lancer does far more than just transfer pressure. It must also resist boiling under high temperatures, maintain moisture resistance, and keep the braking system free of corrosion. Over time, water naturally seeps into brake fluid because of its hygroscopic nature (it absorbs moisture from the air). As the water content increases, the boiling point decreases, which can lead to a dangerous condition called brake fade. Brake fade happens when the fluid boils and creates gas bubbles in the brake lines, making the brakes feel spongy or even causing a loss of braking power.

Because brake fluid degrades and picks up moisture over time, it's important to replace it according to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. For a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer, the general advice is to have the brake fluid changed every two years or around 30,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. Of course, if the Lancer is driven in particularly demanding conditions such as hilly terrain, heavy traffic, or very hot climates, more frequent checks and changes may be necessary.

Regular maintenance of the brake fluid helps to:

• Maintain consistent braking performance and pedal feel
• Reduce the risk of brake fade or failure under stress
• Prevent internal corrosion of brake system components like the master cylinder, calipers and ABS unit
• Extend the overall lifespan of the braking system

When getting the brake fluid changed on a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer, it's not just a simple drain and refill. Technicians usually perform a brake fluid flush to remove as much of the old, contaminated fluid as possible. This process involves bleeding the brake system to eliminate air pockets and replace all the old fluid with fresh, clean fluid. Air bubbles in the brake lines can cause the pedal to feel soft and reduce your stopping power, so getting the system properly bled is crucial.

Monitoring the quality of brake fluid is also a good idea, especially on older Lancers or those that rack up a lot of kilometres. Some modern workshops use moisture testers that can check the water content of brake fluid to determine if it needs replacing. It's always a smart move to get your mechanic to inspect the fluid's condition during regular servicing.

One more thing to keep in mind is that brake fluid is corrosive and can damage painted surfaces. When changing or topping up the brake fluid in a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer, care should be taken to avoid spills and to clean up any fluid that might drip onto the car's paintwork.

Overall, brake fluid might not be a part that gets talked about much, but it is absolutely essential for the safe operation of the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer's braking system. Keeping up with brake fluid maintenance ensures your Lancer remains as safe and responsive as the day it rolled off the showroom floor, giving you peace of mind every time you hit the road.