Brake Fluid Flush Cost: Explained With Chart

Have you noticed your car’s brakes don’t feel as responsive lately? That could be a sign it’s time for a brake fluid flush. Brake fluid is what transfers pressure from your brake pedal to the brakes to slow your car down. But over time, this fluid can absorb moisture and contaminants, reducing its effectiveness. 

That’s where flushing helps, which means clearing out the old, dirty fluid and replacing it with new, clean fluid. Typically, a brake fluid flush costs between $50 and $200. But it can vary depending on factors like your vehicle, where you get the work done, and what type of brake fluid is needed. 

Keep reading to learn about common fluid flush costs, charts showing labor rates at different shops, and more.

What Does a Brake Fluid Flush Do?

Brake fluid is important for your car’s brakes to work right. When you hit the brake pedal, the brake fluid makes the brake pads push against the rotors to slow you down and stop.

Over time, the fluid can get dirty from things like moisture, air bubbles, and gunk building up in it. And dirty fluid means your brakes don’t feel and work as well as they should. They might feel soft or not slow the car down strongly.

Getting a brake fluid flush fixes that. The mechanics drain out all the old, dirty fluid and replace it with new, clean fluid. They also bleed out any air bubbles from the lines.

This makes sure the fluid can do its job moving the brakes smoothly again. It improves your braking and helps prevent issues from the dirty fluid down the road. A flush helps your brakes last longer by keeping everything working cleanly inside the system.

Brake Fluid Flush Cost – Explained With Chart

The cost of flushing your car’s can vary based on a few different things. Mostly, it comes down to the cost of labor and the brake fluid itself.

Most cars only need about a quart of brake fluid to flush out the system, even though a few might require a bit more. And since the brake fluid itself is pretty cheap, normally $5-$39 per quart, you get the idea about the potential fluid cost.  

But if you have a shop do it for you instead of doing it yourself, you’ll also have to pay for their labor, which usually adds around $50-$150 to the total price. 

Most mechanics charge a fixed rate. While some may charge an hourly rate of $145-$210, the job usually takes only half an hour or so, except for a few models. 

Brake Fluid Flush Cost Chart

Your car’s make often plays a big role in determining how much fluid it’ll require. Besides, mechanics often quote the labor costs by looking at the fluid reservoir system and how much load your car puts on the labor when doing the flushing. 

That’s why the brake fluid flush costs often fluctuate by car. The below chart gives you an overall idea:

Example Car Models	Estimated Total Cost	Fluid Cost	Labor Cost
2015 Mazda 3	$171	$25	$146
Nissan Van	$171	$25	$146
2010 Toyota Highlander	$171	$25	$146
2016 BMW 550i GT xDrive	$190	$44	$146
2012 Lexus ES350	$171	$25	$146
2013 Jaguar XJ	$184	$39	$145

Also, where you get the job done might play an additional role in determining how less or more the labor cost would be. 

Take a look at this forum post where the original poster isn’t pleased with the price quoted, with opinions varying significantly among the responses.

Here’s a chart that might give you an idea about where you can get cheaper rates.

Auto Shops	Average labor cost
Firestone Complete Auto Care	$70
Midas	$85
Jiffy Lube Auto Centers	$70
Big O Tires	$75
Nubrakes	$84
Brake Masters	$115
Pep Boys	$70
YourMechanic	$110
AutoZone	$75
Mr. Tire	$89
NAPA	$99

Factors Affecting Brake Fluid Flush Costs

You may be wondering why some brake fluid flushes cost more than others. Here are a few things that can cause the price to vary:

Location

Shop prices are usually higher in big cities compared to rural areas due to the cost of doing business in an urban area.

Type of Shop

Dealer shops often charge more than independent shops. But dealer shops usually use the brand’s recommended brake fluid.

Car Type

Brake fluid flushing on cars with really complex braking systems, like performance cars or those with anti-lock brakes, can take more time and skill, so they cost more.

Fluid Type

Regular DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluid works well for many cars, and is cheaper. But high-performance brake fluid that boils at a higher temperature may cost a bit extra. Yet, it provides better safety during hard driving. 

Condition of Brakes

If your brakes are in good shape, it won’t take as long. But if the lines are corroded or calipers need replacement, it’ll require more work, so the price goes up.

FAQs

Do you have more questions about brake fluid flush cost? Here, we’ve answered a few commonly asked questions that might help.

How Often Should I Get a Brake Fluid Flush?

Your car’s owner’s manual is a good place to check for the recommended timing on a brake flush. Most mechanics say every 40,000 – 45,000 miles or every 2-3 years is a good practice. That’s usually often enough to keep the fluid clean before it gets too dirty. You can also ask your mechanic to check it next time your oil is changed.

How Can You Tell If It’s Time for a Brake Fluid Flush?

You can tell by spotting a few signs. For example, if your brake pedal feels soft or bouncy instead of firm when you press it, the fluid could be dirty. You’ll also want to get it flushed if the ABS light comes on or if you notice brake fluid leaking out or see it low. Also, you might hear strange noises or smells when you brake. 

Can I Change the Brake Fluid Myself?

Yes, you can if you have the right tools and take your time. You’ll need a brake bleeder kit which allows you to vacuum out the old fluid from the reservoir. Once that’s empty, carefully refill it with new brake fluid. Then replace the reservoir cap and bleed the lines, so there’s no air in the brake lines.

Is It Okay to Drive If My Brake Flush Is Overdue?

Brake fluid is crucial for your brakes to work properly when slowing down or stopping your car. But dirty fluid that hasn’t been flushed in a while won’t help much. While you might drive just fine, this can mean your brakes won’t work as well as they should.