What is brake-fluid?

[OKai]

Brake-fluid is the brake fluid, also known as braking oil or force oil. Below are the specific details about brake fluid: 1. Brake fluid is a liquid medium that transmits braking pressure in hydraulic braking systems, used in vehicles equipped with hydraulic braking systems. 2. Brake fluid is divided into three types: castor oil-alcohol type, synthetic type, and mineral oil type. The castor oil-alcohol type is composed of refined castor oil (45%-55%) and low-carbon alcohol (ethanol or butanol, 55%-45%). The synthetic type is made from ethers, alcohols, esters, etc., blended with additives such as lubricants, antioxidants, rust inhibitors, and rubber swelling inhibitors. The mineral oil type is made from refined light diesel fractions with thickeners and other additives.

[MacIsaac]

Last time I got my car repaired, the mechanic said brake fluid is indeed the hydraulic oil for brakes. This stuff is super important - it's like the blood of the braking system, transferring the force from your pedal to the brake pads. It's specially formulated to withstand extreme heat, as brake discs can reach several hundred degrees Celsius during braking. You must use the correct specification - there are DOT3, DOT4 and other types, mixing them can cause serious problems. The worst part is its hygroscopic nature, it absorbs moisture and degrades in about two years, making brakes feel spongy. My car just had its fluid changed last month - the mechanic warned that darkened fluid must never be used as it corrodes metal components.

[AsherLynn]

Every mechanic knows that brake fluid is not something to mess around with. It's actually an alcohol-based hydraulic oil, primarily composed of glycol ether formulations, and must have a boiling point above 200°C to meet standards. The force transmitted by the caliper piston to squeeze the brake pads relies on it. However, in humid regions, after absorbing moisture, its boiling point can plummet by half! Last year, a car owner used tap water as a temporary substitute, resulting in brake failure due to vapor lock while going downhill. Remember, when changing the fluid, the system must be thoroughly bled by machine, otherwise, residual air bubbles in the lines will make the brake pedal feel spongy.

[LeMadison]

A veteran driver with 15 years of experience tells you how dangerous brake fluid is: That pale yellow liquid in the translucent tank on the left side of the steering wheel is it. Fresh from the factory, it's as clear as honey, but when it turns cloudy, it's time for a change. I learned the hard way—mixing different grades caused the rubber hoses to swell and leak, nearly causing a rear-end collision. Now I stick to DOT4 ESP grade, which won't boil at high temperatures or freeze in the cold. When changing the fluid, remember to have the mechanic reset the electronic brake system with a diagnostic tool, or the ABS pump will act up.