Can transformer oil be used as brake fluid?
2 Answers
No. Here are the relevant introductions about brake fluid: 1. Function: Brake fluid, also known as hydraulic brake fluid or forced oil, is an indispensable part of the braking system. It is the liquid medium that transmits braking pressure in hydraulic braking systems and is used in vehicles equipped with hydraulic braking systems. In the braking system, as a force transmission medium, because liquid cannot be compressed, the pressure output from the master cylinder is directly transmitted to the wheel cylinders through the brake fluid. 2. Characteristics: Automotive brake fluid has a very low freezing point, ensuring good fluidity at low temperatures. It also has an extremely high boiling point, preventing vapor lock at high temperatures. When using automotive brake fluid, you will notice minimal quality changes, and it will not cause corrosion to metals or rubber.
Transformer oil and brake fluid are completely different things. Last time, a car with spongy brakes came into the workshop, and upon disassembly, we found the previous owner had used transformer oil as a substitute. As a result, the rubber seals were all swollen with oil, and the caliper pistons were rusted and seized. Let me tell you, brake fluid must withstand high temperatures without boiling and also absorb moisture to prevent corrosion. Transformer oil not only easily absorbs water, causing brake failure, but also corrodes metal components. The mechanic ended up replacing the entire set of brake lines and pumps, costing several thousand. Never skimp on this—a bottle of DOT4 standard brake fluid costs just a few dozen bucks, and your life is worth far more than the car.