As the name implies, brake fluid is an essential component of your car's braking system. and that means maintenance is crucial. Here's how to find a leak.

For the same year’s Lexus ES 350 (very similar vehicles) there is a recommendation to change the fluid every 30,000 miles. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, a fancy word that means it attracts water.

This superior thermal stability makes DOT 4 the go-to for vehicles that see more demanding braking and conditions, which has made it the standard brake fluid for most production cars after 2006.