Brake Fluid General Information
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, meaning, 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.
Risk of accident due to the brakes malfunctioning.
- Brake fluid must never come into contact with fluids containing mineral oils (oil, gasoline, cleaning solutions).
- Do not use safety gloves that have been dirtied by oil or grease.
Even the smallest amount on a seal or boot can cause the part to change and thereby affect the function of the brake system. 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
Health risk due to poisonous fluid.
- Never extract brake fluid by mouth.
As a result of the previously mentioned points:
- Always keep brake fluid containers securely closed. This is to make sure that no oil, dirt or cleaning materials and no humidity can enter the container.
- Store containers with brake fluid carefully away from oil (also hydraulic fluid) and cleaning fluid. It is prohibited to mix both fluids or filling the brake system incorrectly.
Leaking brake fluid increases the risk of injury.
Risk of skin irritation and injury.
- Wear safety gloves.
- Close the open brake hoses and brake lines with a clean plug.
- Always store brake fluid in air-tight containers.
There is a risk of contamination and paint damage from leaking brake fluid.
- Rinse off any leaking brake fluid immediately using plenty of water.
- Only use new brake fluid.
- Follow all waste disposal regulations.