Brake Fluid General Information
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning that it has the ability to absorb water and moisture from the air.
Risk of an accident due to the water content in the brake fluid being too high. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning that it absorbs moisture from the surrounding air.
Brake failure due to the formation of steam bubbles.
- Store brake fluid in air-tight containers.
- Immediately seal any open brake hoses and brake lines.
If water has been absorbed, the boiling point will drop, for example, during high braking temperatures the brake fluid may develop steam bubbles and cause the brakes to fail.
Over time, brake fluid will darken in color. Dark-colored brake fluid does not indicate anything about its quality. The color forms due to chemical reactions.
- Brake fluid must never come into contact with fluids containing mineral oils (oil, gasoline, cleaning solutions).
- Wear safety gloves that are free of oil and grease.
Even the smallest amount of mineral oil on a seal or boot can cause the parts to change and thereby affect the function of the brakes. The results of an unclean brake system first show themselves months later, causing increased repair costs, especially on vehicles with ABS.
A - Boot - Original Size
B - Boot - Swollen Through Contact with Mineral Oil
- Never extract brake fluid by mouth.
As a result of the previously mentioned points:
- Always keep brake fluid containers securely closed. Only this can ensure that no oil, dirt or cleaning materials and no humidity can enter the container.
- Store brake fluid containers away from oil (even hydraulic oil) and cleaning fluids to prevent an accidental mixing of both fluids or even filling the brake system with the wrong fluid.
Leaking brake fluid increases the risk of injury.
Risk of skin irritation and injury.
- Wear safety gloves.
- Seal the open brake hoses and brake lines with plugs from the Engine Bung Set:VAS6122 .
- Always store brake fluid in air-tight containers.
- Rinse off any leaking brake fluid immediately using plenty of water.
- Only use new brake fluid.
- Follow all waste disposal regulations.