What is the service life of brake fluid? That is a question for which there is no simple answer. But it doesn't last forever.

Most motorists don't know that brake fluid wears out over time. They assume it is a lifetime fluid that never needs to be changed, so brake fluid is probably the most neglected fluid in vehicles today.

As brake fluid ages, the corrosion-inhibiting additives in it break down. The earliest signs of chemical decomposition can often be detected within a year or so, or after about 20,000 kms of normal driving. Hard use that elevates brake temperatures and pressures can accelerate the rate at which the fluid additives break down even more.

We can provide:

• Brake Inspections and written reports
• Supply and fit new brake pads
• Supply and fit new brake shoes
• Carry out brake adjustments
• Machine disc rotors to stop that annoying vibration when braking

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BRAKE PRODUCTS

We recommed that your vehicle's brake fluid be renewed every year. This is because the boiling point is lowered as moisture enters the system - reducing your braking safety margin.

What does DOT certification mean and how does one get it?

An important point to note about brake fluid is that all brake fluids are not all alike. If you look on the label, you will notice that each container of brake fluid has a DOT (Department of Transportation) designation-DOT 3, 4, or 5. Each fluid has its own characteristics.

There is really no such thing as receiving DOT certification for brake fluid. What it should be called is “DOT Compliancy” meaning the fluid meets the specifications as stated by DOT.

What you will find on the label of many brake fluids is the statement, “…… meets or exceeds DOT 3 (or whatever)…..” What the DOT specs do is to lay down baseline performance parameters for brake fluid and detail exactly how to test the fluid. This ensures that when you do look at a fluid’s specifications, you are comparing apples to apples.

The difference between DOT 3 and DOT 4 is their boiling point. Both of these are polyglycol based; however, DOT 3, the type specified in most American and Japanese vehicles, has a minimum dry boiling point of 401 degrees Fahrenheit. DOT 4, the type specified for most European cars, has a dry boiling point of 446 degrees. (Dry boiling point means free of water. Water lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid and may affect performance.)

Because glycol-based brake fluids do absorb moisture (hygroscopic), corroding brake parts over time, and damaging painted surfaces, many car enthusiasts have converted their vehicles to DOT 5 silicone brake fluid. It has a boiling point of more than 500 degrees Fahrenheit, does not damage the vehicle's paint and, because it does not absorb water, it will not corrode the brake system components. This means that-all other things being equal, the use of DOT 5 brake fluid will mean a longer life for the cylinders and the hydraulic brake system. That does not mean, however, that DOT 5 brake fluid should be put into every car. DOT 5 (silicone) fluid should never be used on a vehicle equipped with an ABS brake system.

Few manufacturers equip their vehicles with silicone brake fluid and, since silicone brake fluid and glycol-based DOT 3, 4-brake fluid do not mix, the only way to convert to silicone is to completely purge the polyglycol brake fluid from the system by doing a complete brake system overhaul.

The final point to remember about brake fluid is that it does not last forever. Over time, the brake fluid accumulates sediment and moisture. This affects the brake fluid's performance and harms the other components of the hydraulic system.