What is the difference between good and bad brake fluid?
3 Answers
Here are the differences between good and bad brake fluid: 1. Taste: Genuine brake fluid has a slightly sweet smell; fake brake fluid smells bad and has an alcohol-like odor. 2. Condition: Genuine brake fluid is yellow like diluted honey and feels warm to the touch; fake brake fluid is made by mixing water and alcohol, so it is very clear. Using fake brake fluid in a vehicle can cause brake failure while driving, leading to serious consequences. Here are the reasons for brake fluid leakage: 1. Brake hose rupture: The brake hose connects the brake pump and the brake caliper. When the brake pedal is pressed, the brake fluid is transmitted through the hose to the caliper piston, which then pushes the brake pads to squeeze the brake disc, creating the braking effect. If the brake hose ruptures, it will inevitably lead to oil leakage, affecting the vehicle's braking performance, so timely repair is essential. 2. Damaged sealing ring: Brake fluid is highly corrosive. Although sealing rings are resistant, they can slightly age over time, reducing their sealing effectiveness and leading to oil leakage. Simply replacing the sealing ring can resolve the issue. 3. Loose or damaged hose screw: The hose screw is used to seal the brake fluid inside the hose. If the hose screw is damaged, oil leakage will naturally occur. If it is only loose, tightening it can solve the problem.
When I drove my old car before, the poor quality of the brake fluid was very noticeable—the brake pedal felt spongy, especially after long trips or rainy days. Later, at the repair shop, the mechanic tested it and said the boiling point was too low, and it had absorbed moisture, causing bubbles to form during braking, which reduced braking power. After switching to high-quality fluid, the brakes became much more responsive, almost like a new car. Low-quality fluid has a low boiling point and absorbs moisture easily, accelerating system corrosion, and prolonged use can damage calipers or the master cylinder. High-quality fluid, like DOT4, has a higher boiling point and better heat resistance, maintaining stability even during aggressive driving. Regular replacement is crucial—I change mine every two years to ensure driving safety.
The quality of brake fluid directly impacts safety. Good fluid has a high boiling point and is less prone to absorbing water, ensuring stable braking power on steep slopes or in emergencies. Poor-quality fluid has a low boiling point, easily vaporizes, and can cause pedal sinking or even failure, potentially leading to accidents in extreme cases. During daily driving, I pay attention to the fluid's color: clear and transparent usually indicates good fluid, while cloudy or discolored suggests water absorption and deterioration. Regular boiling point tests are crucial—safety is no trivial matter. Don't compromise with cheap, inferior products to save a few bucks; protect yourself and your family.
