What are the effects of deteriorated brake fluid in a car?
3 Answers
The effects of deteriorated brake fluid in a car include unstable braking and a soft brake pedal. Below are detailed explanations about car brakes: 1. Brake: Braking, also known as stopping, refers to the action of halting or reducing the speed of moving locomotives, vehicles, other transport tools, or machinery. The braking device is a mechanical braking system that slows down the vehicle's speed, also known as a decelerator. 2. Braking system: The braking system consists of a control system, hydraulic system, and power assist system. The control system includes the pedal, handbrake, etc. The hydraulic system is composed of hydraulic fluid, brake pump, and hydraulic pipes. The power assist system is the vacuum booster pump. The electronic control system consists of the ABS pump, ABS sensors, and ABS computer. The execution system includes the brake caliper, brake pads, and brake disc.
I just experienced the issue of brake fluid deterioration, and it was terrifying. Not only did the brakes feel spongy, but I almost rear-ended someone in an emergency. The reason is that after deterioration, the boiling point decreases, and bubbles form in the fluid during continuous braking, leading to longer braking distances. If not replaced for a long time, it can also corrode metal parts—last time, I had to replace a brake caliper, which cost me several hundred bucks. The mechanic said deteriorated fluid mixes with water, producing vapor under high temperatures, and in winter, it might even freeze the lines. Now, I change it every two years or 40,000 kilometers. The consequences of brake failure on the highway are too scary to even think about.
As a veteran with twenty years of experience in the automotive industry, I've seen too many accidents caused by deteriorated brake fluid. The most dangerous aspect of deteriorated fluid is its water-absorbing property. When the water content exceeds the limit, the brake pedal travel becomes longer, requiring two pumps to stop in an emergency. Corrosion of metal components is even more troublesome, with seized caliper pistons or leaking brake lines being common occurrences. Last week, a customer's ABS pump failed, and upon inspection, it turned out to be due to rust caused by brake fluid. Nowadays, I always advise car owners to use a moisture tester to check the water content. If it exceeds three percent, replace it immediately. Otherwise, one day the brakes might suddenly feel like stepping on cotton, and it'll be too late to regret.
