Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts moisture from the air. Over time, this can lead to corrosion of brake lines and calipers, which can cause them to fail. For this reason, it is important to flush the brake lines of your 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid every 3 years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Here is a general guide on how to flush brake lines:
1. Gather your materials. You will need:
* New DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
* A brake fluid bleeder wrench
* A clear hose that fits over the bleeder screws
* A container to catch the old brake fluid
* Safety glasses
2. Prepare your car. Park your car on a level surface and turn off the engine. Engage the parking brake.
3. Locate the brake fluid reservoir. The brake fluid reservoir is typically located in the engine bay, near the master cylinder.
4. Remove the old brake fluid. Use a turkey baster or a syringe to remove the old brake fluid from the reservoir. Be careful not to spill any brake fluid on the paint of your car.
5. Add new brake fluid to the reservoir. Fill the reservoir to the "Full" mark with new brake fluid.
6. Bleed the brakes. Starting with the wheel furthest from the master cylinder, use the brake fluid bleeder wrench to loosen the bleeder screw on the brake caliper. Attach the clear hose to the bleeder screw and place the other end of the hose in the container to catch the old brake fluid. Have a helper press on the brake pedal while you open the bleeder screw. Continue bleeding the brakes until the old brake fluid has been replaced with new brake fluid.
7. Repeat steps 6 and 7 for each wheel.
8. Test the brakes. Once you have bled the brakes, test them by pressing on the brake pedal. The pedal should feel firm and should not travel to the floor.
9. Top off the brake fluid reservoir. If necessary, top off the brake fluid reservoir to the "Full" mark.
It is important to note that flushing the brake lines can be a messy job. Be sure to wear safety glasses and take precautions to avoid spilling brake fluid on the paint of your car. If you are not comfortable performing this task yourself, you can take your car to a qualified mechanic to have it done.
