How to Determine Brake Fluid?
2 Answers
Brake fluid can be seen on the exterior of the reservoir, which has markings. If the brake fluid is depleted, the brake warning light on the dashboard will illuminate. Here is relevant information about brake fluid: Methods for selecting brake fluid: 1. First, since the seals in the braking system are rubber components, prolonged immersion in brake fluid can cause chemical changes. 2. Second is the high-temperature performance, which refers to the brake fluid's ability to resist vapor lock at high temperatures. This is evaluated using the "equilibrium reflux point" metric. 3. Third is the low-temperature performance of the brake fluid, which refers to its flow characteristics at low temperatures. This is assessed by measuring the kinematic viscosity of the brake fluid at 40°C. If the viscosity is too high at this temperature, it can affect the transmission of braking force. 4. Fourth, since many components in the automotive braking system are made of metal, high-quality brake fluid should contain various anti-corrosion additives to prevent corrosion of the braking system.
I've been driving for over a decade. How to check brake fluid condition? First observe the color – new fluid is usually light yellow or clear. If it turns cloudy or black, it means there's excessive moisture or contaminants, requiring replacement. Secondly, regularly use a brake fluid tester to measure moisture content at the reservoir opening. If it exceeds 3%, replacement is needed because water lowers the boiling point, risking brake failure during high-temperature operation. I personally check annually and watch for symptoms like spongy brake pedal or no response when fully depressed, which may indicate degraded fluid quality. After car washes or rain, pay extra attention to the reservoir cap seal to prevent bubbling and system corrosion. Finally, recommend testing every two years or 30,000 km – don't neglect minor issues, as brake failure on highways could be disastrous.
