Black or brown brake fluid usually isn’t a good sign. Most likely, it’s been in the master cylinder reservoir for too long, where it has likely filled with contaminants—making it harder for your brakes to work. A quick replacement of fluid should do the trick, though.

Brake fluid probably isn’t something you think about too often, but if your brake pedal feels soft, there might be an issue. Basically, proper brake fluid helps your brakes function with the right amount of pressure. Contaminated or old brake fluid changes that. The good news is your local mechanic should know what to do after a quick inspection.

So, here’s the full rundown on discolored brake fluid, with a little help from car insurance comparison and broker app Jerry.

The exact cost varies between different Saturn models. For example, newer vehicle models are usually made with more expensive materials, so recent or high-end models will cost more, especially if your service requires a part replacement. Use the table below to estimate the cost for your own vehicle.

If your brake fluid is black or brown, a quick check is necessary. Brake fluid can become contaminated or discolored over time—especially if your car isn’t serviced properly. In most cases, a mechanic will simply replace the fluid and you’re good to go! However, sometimes there can be some more damage to the brake system itself, and a more thorough inspection might be necessary. 

Either way, you shouldn’t be spending too much, as a brake fluid replacement only costs around $100.

You should ideally get an inspection as soon as you notice discoloration in your brake fluid. It might not seem like a massive problem instantly, but if brake fluid goes bad, your braking system could be severely impacted. Luckily, there are a few signs that your brake fluid might be discolored, including: 

Functioning brakes are a crucial part of driving, and brake fluid is an integral part of your brakes working. Even slight alterations in the effectiveness of your braking could put you in danger—especially on busy roads. Therefore, it’s important to avoid accidents before they happen, and get in touch with your local mechanic as soon as you notice discoloration. 

Brakes need to be treated with care—even though they are a reliable part of your car. It’s important to remember that brakes tend to wear down over time. To prevent that from happening, service your car regularly, and check on your brake fluid when you can! Also, drive sensibly, avoid braking too fast, and shift gear with care if you own a manual vehicle.

Broken parts of any kind can impact the driving experience, and put you in danger whenever you’re on the road. To make sure you’re covered in the event of an accident, it’s crucial to have the best car insurance for you. 

You may have a good package, but we think you can do better, especially if you use the Jerry app. A licensed broker, Jerry will scour quotes from over 50 top insurers to find the best rate for you. In less than 60 seconds, you’ll be seeing offers from State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, and more! 

Keep in mind that your location is another factor that determines the final cost of repairs. Areas with higher cost of living will usually have more expensive car repair services, especially if there’s less local competition. Check out the table below for an estimate of what Saturn drivers pay in different cities.

Jerry doesn’t just offer fair price repair estimates for Saturn drivers! Our team of writers has collected everything you need to know for every car. Here’s how much the repair costs for some popular cars:

The cost of repairs might vary depending on which Saturn you drive, but there’s an easy way to save money for the services you need! Just download the Jerry app for help lowering your insurance premiums. In less than 45 seconds, Jerry collects all of your information from your existing insurer. Choose from competitive quotes from top insurance companies and Jerry takes care of the rest—securing your new policy and helping you cancel your old one upon request.

With an average annual savings of $887, Jerry can help you free up funds for the repairs your Saturn’s needs.