How Corrosive is Brake Fluid Really?
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Generally, brake fluid is highly corrosive, but high-quality brake fluid significantly reduces corrosion and rust on various metals, extending the lifespan of the brake pump. If inferior brake fluid is used, it can quickly corrode metals, posing a hazard to driving. Below is an introduction to two types of brake fluids: 1. Polyglycol Ether Brake Fluid: The main components are polyoxyethylene ether compounds, blended with lubricants, diluents, rust inhibitors, and rubber inhibitors. It is the most commonly used brake fluid in automobiles worldwide, with most products classified as DOT3 and a few reaching DOT4. This type of brake fluid offers advantages such as a high equilibrium reflux boiling point, low viscosity at low temperatures, good rubber compatibility, and relatively low corrosiveness to metals. However, polyglycol ether brake fluid easily absorbs moisture from the air, forming azeotropes with lower boiling points, which reduces its high-temperature performance. Additionally, as moisture content increases, low-temperature viscosity rises significantly, impairing low-temperature performance. Moisture ingress also increases the fluid's corrosiveness, accelerating the corrosion of metal components in the braking system. 2. Borate Ester Brake Fluid: To improve the equilibrium reflux boiling point and reduce hygroscopicity, research has found that ester-based brake fluids meet these requirements. Specifically, borate esterification of polyglycol ether significantly mitigates the impact of moisture on the boiling point of polyglycol ether brake fluids. This category of brake fluid is generally classified into DOT4, Super DOT4 (V4), and DOT5.1.