| The one feature your vehicle has that is very | | | | done by Maintenance Services Task Force of the |
| important is the brakes, without these functioning | | | | Automotive Maintenance Services and Repair |
| properly a serious collision or accident could occur. | | | | Association (AMRA) and the same opinion applies. |
| There are so many vehicle owners who may admit | | | | As mentioned before, water in brake fluid can cause |
| that they don't keep a check on their vehicles brake | | | | corrosion, leaving deposits of sludge in the brake |
| fluid as much as they should. | | | | system. Many also believe that dark colored brake fluid |
| Manufacturers themselves never seem to give out the | | | | should be changed to a light amber color. AMRA may |
| necessary information regarding when to change | | | | surprise a lot of people with their surprise findings and |
| brake fluid. As long as you check the fluid level and it is | | | | for many sorts out the difference of opinion. |
| up then this is okay, changing the fluid when necessary | | | | The myth regarding the color of brake fluid can quickly |
| can protect the braking system from corrosion. | | | | be solved in that this is not an indicator of the brake |
| There is some country's for instance like Canada | | | | fluids quality. The color of several brake fluids can |
| where the specifications of brake fluid come under | | | | change naturally when the fluid is in contact with the |
| regulation by transport Canada. They don't actually | | | | brake systems rubber components. Tests that have |
| define brake fluid but they set the necessary criteria it | | | | been carried out shown that dark is still good and light |
| has to meet. For example, it has to be able to flow in | | | | amber fluid was poor. |
| cold weather, compatible with different components in | | | | Brake fluid is hygroscopic and having water in the |
| the braking system, and boil at high temperatures. In | | | | brake fluid will lower the boiling point and therefore |
| the U.S.A, they too have similar specifications from the | | | | may not work as well. Water causes problems with |
| Department of Transport, (DOT), and the brake fluids | | | | corrosion but there are no tests available to check the |
| are labeled as to how they meet different classes. | | | | water content of brake fluids. Through research, it has |
| Many vehicle makers use DOT 3 type fluid although | | | | been found only a small amount of water is absorbed |
| there may be some who prefer to use DOT 4 type | | | | into the brake system. The rubber materials have |
| fluid because this fluid has a boiling point that is higher. | | | | improved greatly, therefore helping the seal to keep |
| These two fluids are both glycol-based and are | | | | moisture out a lot better. The plastic see- through |
| hygroscopic, this term simply put means they will both | | | | reservoirs limits the brake system being open to the |
| absorb water. If a container is left open, it absorbs | | | | air. |
| moisture from the air, whilst the brake system, over | | | | It is corrosion inhibitors in brake fluid that help to reduce |
| years, will slowly absorb water through rubber hoses | | | | breaking down of materials in the brake system. |
| and other parts. | | | | These inhibitors eventually wear out with age, water |
| There is another brake fluid that is silicone based. This | | | | content, heat from the high braking system, and the |
| is classed as DOT 5.0 or 5.1 types. These fluids have | | | | copper in the brake lining will start to corrode. As the |
| a blue dye put in that makes it visibly different to other | | | | amount of copper ions build up in brake fluid, these act |
| brake fluids. The advantage of silicone-based brake | | | | as oxidizers and other parts will begin to corrode. |
| fluid is that it isn't hygroscopic and therefore won't | | | | These can be the ABS valves and the master |
| cause damage to any painted parts; however, it will | | | | cylinders. |
| pass through smaller pores and won't provide as good | | | | It is possible to check for copper content using paper |
| a seal. | | | | strips that will change color if there is a high content of |
| The majority of vehicle manufacturers prefer to use | | | | copper. Most service shops may use these but there |
| DOT 3 fluid in their factories. Mixing two different types | | | | may be some who don't. If not, then they won't |
| of fluids should never be done. Those who wish to use | | | | actually know whether the brake fluid is good or should |
| a silicone based brake fluid will have to clean the entire | | | | be changed. To be on the side caution in a situation like |
| system of glycol-based fluid. | | | | this, it may be better to have the brake system |
| There are many who ask the question when should | | | | flushed and clean brake fluid put in. This can save you |
| brake fluid be changed or flushed, there may be no | | | | a lot of money as corrosion related repairs are very |
| definite answer as there are different opinions to this | | | | expensive and more important, you want to be sure |
| question. In the U.S.A, for example, research has been | | | | your brake system stops works as you want it to. |