2020-2022 Kia Telluride Brake Fluid Type and Flush Interval

By Core Brake Parts Tech Team — Circleville, OH warehouse

The 2020-2022 Kia Telluride uses DOT 4 brake fluid. Kia's owner information says to use only hydraulic brake fluid that conforms to DOT 4. The 2020 manual's lubricants table lists DOT-3 or DOT-4, so a sealed bottle of DOT 4 covers every Telluride from these years. The factory maintenance schedule calls for a brake fluid exchange every 30,000 miles.

What brake fluid the Telluride takes

The Telluride owner information talks about brake fluid in two places, and both point to the same practical answer.

• The brake fluid section of Kia's owner's manual says to use only hydraulic brake fluid that conforms to DOT 4 specifications, and never to mix different types of fluid.
• The "Recommended lubricants and capacities" table in the 2020 Telluride owner's manual lists brake fluid as DOT-3 or DOT-4. It gives a volume of 0.49 plus or minus 0.02 US quarts (0.46 plus or minus 0.02 liters).

DOT 3 and DOT 4 are both glycol-ether fluids covered by the federal brake fluid standard, FMVSS 116. DOT 4 has to meet higher boiling points, so it is the safer pick for a three-row SUV that tows, carries a full load of passengers and comes down long grades. Buy one type and stay with it. Do not use DOT 5 silicone fluid. Never put engine oil, power steering fluid or any other petroleum product in the reservoir: Kia warns that a few drops of mineral-based oil can damage brake system parts.

The listed volume helps when you buy fluid, but a full flush uses more than that because you push old fluid out of the lines and calipers at all four corners. Plan on at least one full quart of fresh, sealed DOT 4 for a complete exchange.

DOT 3 vs DOT 4: the boiling point numbers

You change fluid because its boiling point drops over time. FMVSS 116 sets minimum boiling points for new ("dry") fluid and for fluid that has absorbed a controlled amount of water ("wet").

Glycol brake fluid pulls moisture out of the air through the reservoir vent, hoses and seals. As the water content climbs, the boiling point falls toward the wet number. When fluid boils in a hot caliper it makes vapor. Vapor compresses, so the pedal goes soft or sinks during a long downhill or after repeated hard stops. Fluid ages even when the reservoir level looks fine. For the same reason, the federal standard requires every bottle to carry a warning to keep the container clean and tightly closed so the fluid does not absorb moisture.

Flush interval: when to change it

The published factory maintenance schedule for the 2020 Telluride lists a brake fluid exchange at 30,000 miles and again at 60,000, 90,000, 120,000 and 150,000 miles. In plain terms: every 30,000 miles. Check the maintenance schedule in your own owner's manual for your model year and for any severe-usage items that apply to how you drive.

Change it sooner, regardless of mileage, if:

• You tow a camper or boat, or regularly drive mountain grades loaded with passengers.
• The brake system was opened for a caliper, hose or line replacement.
• The fluid is dark, cloudy or has debris in it, or a moisture test strip or tester shows high water content.
• The pedal feels softer after long descents than it does cold.

Between services, look at the reservoir. Kia says to keep the level between the MAX and MIN marks and notes that the level falls slowly as the pads wear, which is normal. If you have to add fluid often, you likely have a leak, and Kia says to have the system inspected. Topping off to MAX on worn pads does not fix anything. When new, thicker pads go in, the caliper pistons push back and the reservoir can overflow.

How the flush is done on a Telluride

The Telluride has disc brakes at all four wheels, ABS with stability control, and an electronic parking brake. A basic fluid exchange follows the usual pattern:

1. Clean the reservoir cap area so dirt cannot fall in. Remove as much old fluid from the reservoir as you can, then refill with fresh DOT 4 from a sealed bottle.
2. Bleed each wheel in the order given in the factory service manual, usually starting at the wheel farthest from the master cylinder, until clear fresh fluid comes out with no bubbles.
3. Keep the reservoir above MIN the whole time. If it runs dry, air gets pulled into the master cylinder and the ABS unit, and the job turns into a much harder bleed.
4. Tighten the bleeder screws to the value in the factory service manual, top off to MAX, and wipe up every drip.

There are two things to watch for. First, brake fluid removes paint. Kia specifically warns not to let it touch the body paint, so cover the fender and rinse any spill with water right away. Second, if air gets into the ABS hydraulic unit, the factory procedure may require a scan tool to cycle the ABS valves during bleeding. A pressure bleeder or a two-person pedal bleed is fine for a routine exchange. If the reservoir ran dry, take it to a shop with a scan tool.

Never reuse fluid you drained, and do not use fluid from a bottle that has been open on the shelf for a long time. Kia notes that brake fluid exposed to open air for an extended time should not be used because its quality cannot be guaranteed.

What to do at the same time

While you are exchanging the fluid, check the parts it runs through.

• Pads and rotors. The wheels are already off for bleeding, so measure pad thickness and check the rotors for scoring and lip wear. Also think about whether you have felt pulsing in the pedal. For the back of the vehicle we carry a matched 2020-2022 Kia Telluride rear brake kit with rotors and pads. You can also browse brake pads and brake rotors for other replacement options.
• Rear pads and the EPB. The parking brake is electronic, so rear pad work typically requires putting it into service or maintenance mode before the caliper piston can retract. Follow the owner's manual and service manual procedure. Forcing the piston back can damage the actuator.
• Hoses and lines. Look for cracked, swollen or wet rubber hoses and rusted steel lines. Any leak means the system was pulling in air or moisture.
• Caliper slides. Sticky guide pins cause uneven pad wear and extra heat, and that heat breaks the fluid down faster.

For everything else in the system, our brake parts catalog covers calipers, hardware and lines.

How hard is the job?

A brake fluid exchange on a Telluride is a moderate DIY job for someone who has bled brakes before. You need a jack and stands or a lift, a wrench for the bleeders, clear tubing, a catch bottle, fresh DOT 4, and either a helper or a pressure bleeder. Budget an hour or two. Take it to a shop if the reservoir ran dry, if a warning light is on, or if the pedal stays soft after bleeding, because the ABS unit may need a scan-tool bleed. If the brake warning light stays on after you release the parking brake, Kia's manual says there may be a malfunction in the brake system and immediate attention is necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use DOT 3 in my Kia Telluride?

The 2020 manual's lubricants table lists DOT-3 or DOT-4, but the brake fluid section says to use fluid that conforms to DOT 4. Use DOT 4. It has higher minimum boiling points and it meets what both sections of the manual say. Do not mix types in the same system.

How often should the Telluride brake fluid be flushed?

The factory schedule lists a brake fluid exchange every 30,000 miles. Do it sooner if you tow, drive mountain grades, or the fluid tests high for moisture.

How much brake fluid does a Telluride need?

The 2020 manual lists 0.49 plus or minus 0.02 US quarts. A complete flush through all four calipers uses more than that, so buy at least a full quart of sealed DOT 4.

Is DOT 5.1 okay?

Kia specifies DOT 4. Stick with DOT 4 so you follow the owner's manual and never mix types. Never use DOT 5, which is silicone-based.

Why is my Telluride brake fluid level low?

The level drops slowly as the pads wear, which Kia describes as normal. If it drops quickly or you keep adding fluid, have the system checked for a leak and check pad thickness.

Does the electronic parking brake affect a fluid flush?

Not for a routine exchange. The EPB matters when you replace the rear pads, because the rear calipers usually need to be put in service mode before the pistons are retracted.

Sources

1. Kia Owner's Manual - Checking the brake fluid level - DOT 4 requirement, never mix fluids, paint damage, open-air fluid and mineral oil warnings, MAX/MIN level
2. 2020 Kia Telluride Owner's Manual - Recommended lubricants and capacities - DOT-3 or DOT-4 listing and 0.49 US qt volume
3. 2020 Kia Telluride Owner's Manual - Brake fluid - level falls with lining wear, use only specified fluid
4. 2020 Kia Telluride Owner's Manual - Electronic Parking Brake - EPB operation and brake warning light guidance
5. Dean McCrary Kia - 2020 Kia Telluride Maintenance Schedule - brake fluid exchange at 30k, 60k, 90k, 120k and 150k miles
6. 49 CFR 571.116 (FMVSS 116) Motor vehicle brake fluids - DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5 minimum dry and wet boiling points, container moisture warnings