Why Does Brake Fluid Contain Moisture?
2 Answers
Brake fluid has an important characteristic of being hygroscopic, meaning it can completely blend with water. Here are the relevant details: 1. Brake Fluid: Brake fluid is a type of oil in the car's braking system, primarily serving to transmit braking force. 2. Braking System: A car's braking system consists of a vacuum booster, master cylinder, wheel cylinder, brake pads, and brake discs. When the brake pedal is pressed, the vacuum booster provides assistance, making it easier for the driver to press the pedal without much effort. 3. Types of Brake Fluid: Based on composition, brake fluid is categorized into synthetic and mineral types, among others.
My wife and I went on a road trip and noticed the brakes felt a bit soft. After inspection, we found out the brake fluid had water contamination. Why does this happen? Actually, brake fluid is inherently hygroscopic, meaning it easily absorbs moisture from the air. During normal driving, especially in humid weather or when parked outdoors, moisture can gradually seep into the brake system. The main entry points are a loose master cylinder cap or poorly sealed brake line connections, allowing air to enter and condense into water inside. According to my research, DOT4-type fluid has even stronger moisture absorption and degrades faster. Excessive water content lowers the boiling point, causing bubbles to form during braking, leading to reduced stopping power and potentially serious accidents. Last year, I had the fluid replaced, and the mechanic recommended changing it every two years or 20,000 kilometers to keep the system dry. Daily precautions like tightening caps properly and avoiding prolonged exposure to air can extend its lifespan. This knowledge is quite useful, so I’m sharing it to remind everyone to drive safely.