What you need to know before you start

The Ford Maverick has two separate fluid systems you might hear called "change fade" or "balance" work: the brake fluid reservoir and the brake fluid itself circulating through your lines and calipers. Checking the brake fluid level is something you can do in your driveway in under five minutes. Changing the brake fluid — a process called bleeding the brakes — is more involved and usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on whether you do it yourself or take it to a shop.

Your Maverick's brake fluid sits in a translucent plastic reservoir under the hood on the driver's side. You can see the fluid level through the sides of the container without opening it. The fluid darkens over time as it absorbs moisture from the air, which is why Ford recommends a complete fluid change every two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first — not because the fluid wears out, but because it degrades.

Key Takeaways

  • Your brake fluid reservoir is a translucent plastic container under the hood on the driver's side, and you can check the level by looking at the markings on the outside without opening it.
  • Brake fluid should sit between the MIN and MAX lines on the reservoir; if it is below MIN, you have a leak somewhere in the brake system that needs attention before driving.
  • Changing brake fluid requires opening the bleeder valves on each wheel, starting at the wheel farthest from the master cylinder, and letting old fluid drain while pushing new fluid through.
  • If you are not comfortable working with brake systems, a Ford dealer or independent shop can complete a full brake fluid change for $100 to $200 in most markets.

Locating and checking your brake fluid level

Open your hood and look toward the back left side of the engine bay, near the firewall. You will see a white or translucent plastic container about the size of a soda can. This is your brake fluid reservoir. The container has MIN and MAX markings printed or molded into the plastic on both the front and back sides.

Look at the fluid level through the side of the container. If the level is between MIN and MAX, your system is in good condition. If it is below MIN, you have a brake fluid leak somewhere in your lines, hoses, or calipers. Do not ignore this — a leak means your brakes may fail. Stop driving and have the system inspected by a shop before you use the truck again.

If the level is above MAX, do not drive the truck. Overfilled brake fluid can damage your ABS module and brake proportioning valve. You will need to remove the excess fluid with a turkey baster or syringe before driving.

When and why to change your brake fluid

Ford recommends changing your brake fluid every two years or 24,000 miles. This is not because the fluid wears out like engine oil — brake fluid does not break down from use. Instead, brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air through microscopic pores in the rubber hoses and seals. Over time, this water content lowers the boiling point of the fluid, which can cause brake fade (a spongy pedal or reduced stopping power) if your brakes get very hot, such as during mountain driving or towing.

You will know your fluid needs changing if it looks dark brown or black instead of clear amber. You can also have a shop test the fluid with a moisture meter — if it reads above 3 percent water content, a change is due.

How to change brake fluid yourself

Changing brake fluid requires a helper, a wrench that fits your bleeder valves (usually 8mm or 10mm), a clear plastic tube, a container for old fluid, and fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Check your owner's manual for the correct specification — the Maverick uses DOT 3 in most model years, but confirm yours.

Start with the wheel farthest from the master cylinder: the right rear. Have your helper sit in the driver's seat with the engine off. Loosen the bleeder valve on the right rear caliper with your wrench — turn it counterclockwise about one-quarter turn. Slide the clear tube over the valve and run the other end into your drain container. Tell your helper to press the brake pedal slowly and hold it down. As they hold, brake fluid will flow through the tube into the container. When the pedal reaches the floor, tell them to stop and tighten the bleeder valve. Repeat this process — loosen, pump, tighten — until the fluid coming out is clear amber with no air bubbles.

Move to the right front wheel and repeat. Then the left rear, then the left front. This order matters because you are pushing air out of the system in the direction fluid naturally flows. After you finish the left front, have your helper pump the brake pedal 10 times and hold it down. Check that the pedal feels firm and does not sink to the floor. If it does, you have air still trapped in the system and need to bleed again.

Top off the brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line when you are done. Do not overfill.

What to do if you do not want to do this yourself

A Ford dealer or independent brake shop can change your brake fluid in about an hour. The cost ranges from $100 to $200 depending on your location and whether you go to a dealer or a local shop. Some shops will also test your fluid moisture content for $20 to $30 if you want to know whether a change is actually needed before you pay for one.

When you call to schedule, tell them you need a brake fluid change or brake bleeding service. Do not say "brake flush" — that term sometimes refers to a different service that includes cleaning the system with a special machine, which costs more and is not necessary for routine maintenance.

Common mistakes that cause problems

The most common mistake is not bleeding in the right order. If you start at the front wheels instead of the rear, you can trap air in the rear calipers and end up with a soft pedal that does not go away. Always start at the wheel farthest from the master cylinder and work toward it.

The second mistake is letting the reservoir run dry while you are bleeding. If the master cylinder sucks air, you will have to start over. Keep an eye on the fluid level in the reservoir and top it off every few bleeds.

The third mistake is using the wrong brake fluid. DOT 3 and DOT 4 are not interchangeable in all systems, and using the wrong one can damage seals or cause brake failure. Check your owner's manual and stick to what it says.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "brake fade" mean?

Brake fade is a loss of stopping power that happens when your brakes get very hot. It occurs because brake fluid boils at a lower temperature when it contains water. When the fluid boils, it turns to vapor, and vapor is compressible — so when you press the pedal, the pedal sinks toward the floor instead of stopping the truck. Changing your brake fluid every two years prevents this by removing the water that has accumulated.

Can I mix DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluid?

DOT 4 is compatible with DOT 3 systems, so you can use DOT 4 if that is what you have. However, your Maverick's manual specifies DOT 3, so stick with that unless you have a specific reason to switch. Never use DOT 5 (silicone-based) fluid — it is not compatible with your truck and will damage the system.

How do I know if my brake fluid has a leak?

If the level drops below MIN between checks, you have a leak. Check under your truck for drips on the ground — brake fluid is clear to amber and has a slightly sweet smell. Look at the inside of each wheel for wet spots on the caliper or brake line. If you see fluid, the leak is at that wheel. Have a shop inspect the brake hoses and calipers for cracks or loose fittings.

Do I need to change my brake fluid if I do not drive much?

Yes. Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air regardless of whether you drive. If your truck sits in a garage for a year without being driven, the fluid still needs changing after two years from the last change. The calendar matters as much as the mileage.

What should I do with old brake fluid?

Brake fluid is toxic and should not go down the drain or into the trash. Take it to a hazardous waste collection site in your area — most accept it for free. Some auto parts stores also accept used brake fluid if you ask. Call ahead to confirm before you show up with a container.