Braking hard, going downhill for a long period, towing, or racing can speed up this process. This makes your brake fluid much more likely to boil. Fresh DOT 3 has a boiling point of 401 degrees Fahrenheit fully degraded, it drops to 284 degrees Fahrenheit. It will become acidic, promoting the formation of rust and debris in the system, which can clog valves in an expensive ABS system. Because of its affinity to absorb moisture and the heat generated during braking, brake fluid performance will degrade over time.
Most master cylinder reservoirs are clear for this reason. Thus, you’ll want to keep the top of your bottle tight and don’t open the master cylinder reservoir unless needed. They are glycol-based and will absorb moisture out of the air (hygroscopic is the technical term). Most vehicles in the USA take DOT3 or 4 which are amber in color, like a light beer. These regulations ensure standard product quality for everyone’s safety.Įach number has a higher boiling point. DOT stands for Department of Transportation, the federal agency responsible for regulating brake fluid specifications for vehicles in the United States. Understanding the Different Types of Brake Fluidīrake fluid is referred to by “DOT” and a number. It must be compatible with other brake fluids and parts of the braking system and effectively control the corrosion of your brake system. Additionally, brake fluid lubricates moving parts and prevents corrosion.īrake fluid must pass testing for the ability to remain fluid at a low temperature and resist boiling at a high temperature. Brake fluid absorbs this moisture and prevents it from boiling and causing brake failure. This heat causes moisture to condense in the brake hydraulic system. The act of braking generates extreme heat. It is the liquid chemical solution used in hydraulic braking systems to transfer the force of your foot pressing down on the brake pedal into pressure on your vehicle’s brakes. Because it must operate under very demanding conditions without failure, the United States regulates its performance qualities as defined by the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.īrake fluid plays a crucial role in the braking process.
#DOT 3 BRAKE FLUID COLOR CHART SERIES#
It is a hydraulic fluid responsible for one job: Stopping your vehicle!īrake fluid transfers the action of pushing on the pedal to the brake calipers or drums through a series of brake hoses and lines to actually stop your vehicle. Brake fluid is the lifeblood of the brake system and a commonly overlooked, but integral, part of your vehicle.
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