What is brake fluid?

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

What is brake fluid? This is a special substance to ensure the braking of the car. It is in a liquid state and presses on the brakes after pressing the pedal. In other words, it provides a link between the driver's commands and the brake mechanism. If there is a violation of this connection, the car simply will not stop. This can happen if the fluid becomes too hot, causing steam to form inside the brake mechanism. It makes the system compressible, and the substance will not be able to associate pressing the pedal with hard deceleration and brake slamming. That is why brake fluid is a small, but very important part of a car. Without it, the driver will not be able to safely move in the stream. In other words, no brake fluid, no brakes.

Brake fluid is divided into several types, which differ in its heating temperature. So, the first classification divides this substance into "wet" and "dry" liquid. Naturally, the "dry" liquid includes less water, and in the "moistened" its share is 3-4%. Moreover, these two brake fluids are divided into four more groups: DOT 3,DOT 4, DOT 5 and DOT 5.1. The very first type withstands the lowest temperature: 205 degrees Celsius for "dry" and 140 for "moist". It is followed by DOT 4 (for machines with disc brakes). Larger loads require more temperature, and therefore the second type of brake fluid is rated for 155 and 230 degrees Celsius. As for DOT 5.1 fluid, it can be found on sports cars, for example, on the BMW M6, Ferrari F458, Porsche 911 and others. But the penultimate view on serial machines is almost never used. Most likely, DOT 5 is put on racing cars and modified modifications of sports cars. By the way, it is quite possible that the Bugatti Veyron has the most perfect fluid. Outstanding performance confirms this.

So, we have considered the types, but the question remains "which brake fluid is better?". How to answer it? Of course, DOT 5 will provide the best braking. As for stock cars, this is DOT 5, 1. Other types of fluids are more suitable for normal conditions and standard cars that are not designed for high speed and extreme situations.

Summing up, I would like to pay attention to the components that make up the brake fluid. The composition of this substance is replete with diversity. For example, silicone brake fluid contains polymers, while glycogel fluids are composed of polyglycols. But they have something in common - additives. These include anti-corrosion and lubricants.

What is themain function of brake fluid? Of course, this is to ensure safety while driving. As mentioned above, without this substance there are no brakes. Therefore, it is important to treat it with special attention, because a leak can lead to dangerous consequences. The use of DOT 3 fluid in sports cars will not lead to anything good, because large overloads lead to excessive heating.

It should be noted that you can mix different liquids, as long as they are on the same basis. If there is no relevant information on the label, then it's not worth the risk!