Brake Fluid

Your brake fluid needs to be capable of handling the heat from your brakes. Heat buildup can cause it to boil, reducing the amount of pressure you can send to your brakes. In extreme cases, the brake pedal may go all the way to the floor as though all the fluid has leaked out. Changing your brake fluid regularly is as important as running the right sort of fluid. Brake fluid tends to absorb water from the air, which lowers its boiling point considerably.

Most brake fluids contain mostly glycol. These include DOT (Department of Transportation) 3, 4, and 5.1. Ordinary DOT 3 brake fluid has a minimum boiling point of 401°F straight out of the can. This fluid is also the longest lasting. DOT 4 brake fluid raises this to 446°F, and DOT ...

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