How to Change Brake Fluid in Car Mechanic Simulator 2021

Mastering every aspect of vehicle maintenance in Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 can be incredibly rewarding, from basic oil changes to complex engine rebuilds. One crucial, yet often overlooked, maintenance task for ensuring your virtual vehicles are in top shape is knowing how to change brake fluid in Car Mechanic Simulator 2021. This guide will walk you through the entire process, ensuring your customers’ cars stop safely and efficiently, enhancing both your garage’s reputation and your gameplay experience by addressing a fundamental aspect of automotive care within the game’s detailed simulation.

Understanding Brake Fluid and Its Importance in CMS21

Brake fluid is a non-compressible hydraulic fluid that transmits force from the brake pedal to the brake calipers or wheel cylinders, causing the vehicle to slow down or stop. In Car Mechanic Simulator 2021, while the game simplifies some real-world complexities, the principle remains the same. The game simulates various vehicle conditions, including the wear and tear of brake components and the degradation of fluids. Ignoring brake fluid maintenance can lead to failing brake tests, dissatisfied customers, and incomplete job objectives.

Within the virtual garage of Car Mechanic Simulator 2021, brake fluid plays a critical role in the overall health and performance score of a vehicle. A common task presented by customers or found during vehicle inspections is the need to replace “old brake fluid” or address “low brake fluid pressure.” These scenarios directly mandate a brake fluid change to restore the braking system to optimal condition. The game’s intricate design allows players to experience a semblance of real-world automotive expertise, requiring attention to detail even for seemingly minor tasks like fluid replacement. Properly addressing this ensures that the braking system operates at its peak efficiency, which is crucial for passing diagnostic tests and delivering a fully serviced vehicle.

Essential Tools and Parts for the Job

Before you can tackle the task of changing brake fluid, you’ll need to ensure your virtual garage is equipped with the right tools and parts. The game provides a robust inventory system and a tablet for ordering, making preparation straightforward. Having everything ready before you start will streamline the process and prevent unnecessary delays in your repair bay.

Here’s a list of the key items you’ll need:

• Car Lift/Jack Stands: Essential for raising the vehicle to access the wheels and undercarriage. You can use either the hydraulic car lift in your garage or individual jack stands for smaller tasks.
• Wheel Remover: This tool is crucial for detaching the wheels, which provides access to the brake calipers. It’s usually found in your toolbox or accessible via the radial menu.
• Brake Bleeder Kit: This specialized tool is indispensable for both draining the old fluid and bleeding air from the brake lines after refilling. It typically comes with a reservoir for collecting old fluid.
• New Brake Fluid: This is, naturally, the most important consumable. In Car Mechanic Simulator 2021, brake fluid is typically generic but always ensure you have a sufficient quantity on hand for a full flush. You can purchase it from the in-game shop via your computer or tablet.
• Drain Pan (Optional but Recommended): While the game often simplifies fluid collection, mentally envisioning a drain pan helps maintain the realism and good practice of not spilling fluids. For actual in-game mechanics, the Brake Bleeder Kit usually handles fluid collection.

To acquire these items, simply interact with your garage computer or tablet. Navigate to the shop section, find the “Tools” or “Parts” category, and select the necessary equipment. Ensure you have enough in-game currency, known as Credits, to make these purchases. Investing in a good Brake Bleeder Kit is particularly important, as it facilitates a clean and efficient fluid exchange, minimizing spills and reducing the chances of air entering the system. Remember, a well-stocked garage is the foundation of a profitable and efficient virtual repair business.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Brake Fluid in Car Mechanic Simulator 2021

Changing brake fluid in Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 involves a systematic approach that mirrors real-world automotive repair, albeit with the game’s streamlined mechanics. Following these steps will ensure a thorough and successful fluid replacement, satisfying your customers and completing your objectives.

Preparing the Vehicle for Service

The first crucial step in any brake service is to safely prepare the vehicle for maintenance. This involves getting the car into a position where you can easily access all four wheels and the brake components.

1. Locating the Vehicle: Drive the customer’s vehicle or your own project car into one of your service bays. Position it centrally under a car lift or in an area where you can use jack stands.
2. Lifting the Car: If you have a hydraulic lift, simply click on it and select “Raise Car.” If you’re using jack stands, first use a jack to lift one side of the vehicle, place the jack stands, and then repeat for the other side. This provides the necessary clearance to work comfortably and safely underneath.
3. Removing Wheels: With the car securely elevated, access your Wheel Remover tool. Select each wheel one by one and use the tool to remove them. This gives you unobstructed access to the brake calipers, brake lines, and bleed nipples. Place the wheels aside in the designated slots around the lift or on the garage floor.

Draining the Old Brake Fluid

Once the wheels are off, you can begin the process of evacuating the old, potentially contaminated, brake fluid from the system. This is a critical step to ensure that fresh fluid can fully replace the old.

1. Locating the Master Cylinder: The brake master cylinder is typically located under the hood, near the firewall, on the driver’s side. It houses the brake fluid reservoir. Identify it and open the cap.
2. Attaching the Brake Bleeder Kit: Starting with the wheel furthest from the master cylinder (usually the rear passenger wheel, following real-world logic, though the game may not enforce a strict order), locate the brake caliper. On the caliper, you’ll find a small bleed nipple. Attach your Brake Bleeder Kit to this nipple.
3. Draining Per Wheel: With the kit attached, interact with the bleed nipple. The game will simulate the opening of the valve, allowing the old fluid to flow into the bleeder kit’s reservoir. Monitor the fluid visually; in the game, you’ll see a progress bar or an animation indicating fluid extraction. Repeat this for all four wheels. It is important to drain a sufficient amount to clear out the older fluid before introducing new. Some players opt to fully drain the master cylinder reservoir at this stage using the bleeder kit on a single caliper, then refilling it with new fluid to push through.

Refilling with Fresh Brake Fluid

With the old fluid largely removed, it’s time to introduce the fresh brake fluid into the system. This step ensures that your brakes will have optimal hydraulic performance.

1. Choosing the Correct Fluid Type: In Car Mechanic Simulator 2021, brake fluid is typically a generic item found in the shop. You don’t usually have to worry about specific DOT ratings (DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5.1) as you might in real life, which simplifies the process. Just ensure you purchase the standard “Brake Fluid” available.
2. Filling the Master Cylinder Reservoir: Return to the master cylinder under the hood. Carefully open your new brake fluid bottle and pour the fluid into the reservoir. Fill it to the “MAX” line indicated on the reservoir. Be careful not to overfill. This fresh fluid will now be pushed through the system during the bleeding process.

Bleeding the Brake System

Bleeding the brakes is arguably the most crucial step, as it removes any air bubbles that may have entered the system during the draining and refilling process. Air in the brake lines can lead to a spongy brake pedal and reduced braking effectiveness, both in the game and in real vehicles.

1. Importance of Bleeding: Air is compressible, unlike brake fluid. Even a small amount of air can severely impair the hydraulic pressure needed for effective braking. The bleeding process forces this air out.
2. Process for Each Wheel Caliper:
   • Start again at the wheel furthest from the master cylinder (e.g., rear passenger side).
   • Attach the Brake Bleeder Kit to the bleed nipple on the caliper.
   • In the game, you will typically interact with the bleeder kit. The system will guide you to “Pump Brakes” (virtually) or simply allow the fluid to flow until no air bubbles are observed. The animation will show fluid coming out, and you might see visual cues indicating air.
   • Continue this process until you see a consistent stream of clean, new brake fluid without any air bubbles.
   • Crucial Tip: While bleeding each wheel, frequently check the master cylinder fluid level. You must ensure it never drops below the “MIN” line. If it does, air can re-enter the system, forcing you to start the bleeding process over. Top up the reservoir as needed.
   • Repeat this exact procedure for all four wheels, moving systematically (e.g., rear passenger, rear driver, front passenger, front driver). The goal is to ensure that the entire system is free of air and filled only with fresh fluid.

Final Checks and Reassembly

After bleeding, perform a series of checks to ensure everything is in order before the car leaves your virtual garage.

1. Checking Fluid Levels: Once all wheels have been bled, return to the master cylinder and ensure the fluid level is correctly at the “MAX” line. Securely replace the cap.
2. Inspecting Brake Lines and Components: Take a moment to visually inspect all brake lines for any damage or loose connections, and ensure all calipers are properly seated. While the game might not simulate every tiny leak, it’s good practice.
3. Reattaching Wheels and Lowering the Car: Use your Wheel Remover tool to reattach all four wheels, ensuring they are properly tightened. Then, lower the vehicle from the lift or remove the jack stands.
4. Test Drive: If the job requires a test drive (which many brake jobs in CMS21 do), take the car for a spin. Pay attention to the brake pedal feel and stopping power. If the brakes feel spongy, it indicates air might still be in the lines, and you’ll need to re-bleed. A successful test drive confirms your professional work.

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting Tips

Even in the simplified world of Car Mechanic Simulator 2021, you might encounter a few hiccups when changing brake fluid. Knowing how to troubleshoot these issues can save you time and frustration.

Air in the Lines

This is the most common issue. If, after completing the fluid change, the brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or goes to the floor, it’s a clear indication that air remains trapped in the brake lines.
* Solution: The only reliable solution is to re-bleed the entire brake system. Go back through the bleeding steps, paying extra attention to keeping the master cylinder reservoir topped up and ensuring a consistent stream of bubble-free fluid from each caliper. Sometimes, a more vigorous or prolonged bleeding at each wheel is necessary.

Incorrect Fluid Type

While less common due to the game’s generic fluid types, ensure you haven’t mistakenly used engine oil or power steering fluid, for example.
* Solution: If you suspect the wrong fluid was used, you’ll need to completely drain the system again, perhaps multiple times, to flush out the incorrect fluid before refilling and re-bleeding with the proper brake fluid.

Missing Tools/Parts

Forgetting to buy enough brake fluid or losing track of your Brake Bleeder Kit can halt your progress.
* Solution: Always double-check your inventory before starting a major job. If you realize you’re missing something mid-task, use your tablet to order the necessary items. While it incurs a time penalty for delivery, it’s better than stopping the job entirely.

Brake System Components Needing Replacement

Sometimes, a brake fluid change alone won’t solve a car’s braking problems. You might find that calipers are seized, brake pads are worn beyond limits, or brake lines are corroded.
* Solution: Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 provides detailed diagnostic tools. Use the brake test bench or visual inspection mode to identify other faulty components. Replace brake pads, calipers, discs, or lines as needed before (or after, depending on the fault) performing the fluid change and bleed. A comprehensive approach ensures the entire braking system is fully functional.

Maximizing Efficiency and Profit in Your Virtual Garage

Performing maintenance tasks like changing brake fluid efficiently can significantly boost your virtual garage’s profitability and reputation. Strategic planning turns routine tasks into quick revenue generators.

• Bundle Brake Fluid Changes with Other Services: Many jobs in CMS21 involve general brake maintenance. When a customer brings a car in for new pads or discs, or even for a general inspection, always check the brake fluid condition. Offering to change it as an additional service, if needed, increases your total job payout and helps the customer’s overall satisfaction score.
• Upgrade Tools for Faster Completion: As you progress and earn more money, invest in upgraded tools. While the basic Brake Bleeder Kit works, advanced versions or garage upgrades might offer speed bonuses or improved efficiency. This reduces the time spent on each vehicle, allowing you to complete more jobs per in-game day.
• Focus on Higher-Paying Jobs: While learning how to change brake fluid in Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 is a foundational skill, remember that some jobs are more lucrative than others. Combine fluid changes with more complex engine repairs or full restorations to maximize your earnings per vehicle. However, don’t neglect simple fluid changes, as they contribute to a well-rounded service offering and often serve as quick, low-difficulty tasks to fill gaps.

Bridging the Virtual and Real: The Importance of Brake Fluid

The simulated process of changing brake fluid in Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 offers players a valuable, albeit simplified, insight into real-world automotive mechanics. This virtual experience highlights the critical role brake fluid plays in vehicle safety and performance. In reality, just like in the game, brake fluid degrades over time, absorbing moisture and losing its effectiveness, leading to a “spongy” pedal or even brake failure. Understanding these mechanics in the game can foster a deeper appreciation for actual car maintenance. For those seeking expert advice and professional service for their real-world vehicles, ensuring optimal performance and safety, look no further than the trusted professionals at maxmotorsmissouri.com, where genuine expertise meets comprehensive automotive care. The simulation, in its own way, underscores why diligent maintenance, whether virtual or real, is paramount for roadworthiness.

Successfully knowing how to change brake fluid in Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 not only completes another task in your virtual garage but also deepens your understanding of automotive systems. By following these steps, you ensure your customers’ vehicles are road-ready with reliable braking, contributing to your reputation as a top mechanic. This attention to detail transforms a simple maintenance job into a rewarding and educational experience within the game, reinforcing the importance of thoroughness in all aspects of vehicle repair.

Last Updated on October 10, 2025 by Cristian Steven