STOPS CAR!
You depend on your brake system to stop your car effectively – especially in an emergency situation! Today, we will delve deeper into our exploration of THE BRAKE SYSTEM.
The average car’s brake system has at least 40 feet of steel brake lines plus 2-6 feet of reinforced rubber hoses; a reservoir; and a plethora of moving parts, including the brake master cylinder. Mostly made of metal, these parts are susceptible to rust and corrosion. All of these components are filled with or exposed to Hydraulic Fluid – a.k.a. Brake Fluid.
In order to do its work effectively, brake fluid – a vital part of the brake system – must be fresh and clean, uncontaminated by dust, dirt and debris, moisture and/or air bubbles. Contamination has dastardly effects, including reducing the brake fluid's boiling point AND its anti-corrosive properties.
Car engineers confine brake fluid within a sealed system. However, even with that precaution, it still gets old after a year or two, and contamination still happens. (If, for example, the cap was left off the brake fluid reservoir, complete contamination will occur within 24 hours.) Not only does dust and dirt get into it, but consider the hygroscopic nature of brake fluid. Yes, it's true: it actually absorbs moisture out of air. Big trouble!
Imagine how HOT the brakes get while stopping your car. (There is nothing quite like the smell of burning brakes!) Brake fluid is designed to not boil until it reaches 440 degrees; (twice the boiling point of water). Once it is moisture-ridden and/or old, however, it will boil at much lower temperatures. Sadly, when brake fluid boils air enters the sealed system, diminishing the braking ability. You will discover that your car will be especially prone to brake-fade under heavy or emergency stopping conditions. (Remember those "runaway truck ramps" on steep hills?)
What effect does contaminated brake fluid have? Remember the 40 feet of metal through and around which the brake fluid resides? Guess what: it starts to corrode. Debris from corrosion makes the fluid 'dirty', affecting calipers, wheel cylinders, hoses, and expensive anti-lock brake units*.
*(Especially on some newer cars; anti-lock systems, brake assist systems, and electronic stability programs can have extremely expensive components. When damaged by contaminated brake fluid, repairs can cost in excess of $2000. Yikes!) Therefore, brake fluid maintenance, especially with today’s high-tech braking systems, is a very important investment to make for your financial – as well as your physical – well-being.
How do you know if your brake fluid is okay? If it looks brown or black, it is dirty. Clean brake fluid is colorless and clear – but sometimes even contaminated brake fluid still appears colorless. YOU CAN'T TELL BY LOOKING. Bring your car into Water Star Motors. We have a special tool to measure the amount of water in your brake fluid. A finding of 2% moisture or more is considered excessive.
Preventive maintenance is the key to the longevity of your vehicle and its brake system.
Most manufacturers recommend a brake fluid flush every two years. Higher-end cars recommend a flush once a year. A Brake Fluid Flush prevents potential damage to your brake system components, expensive repairs, and possible brake failure by clearing out the water and most of the dirt that builds up over time.
Have you had your Brake Fluid Flushed lately?