Caring for a vehicle braking system should not ignore the condition of brake fluid. One of the problems that can reduce the working Performance brake fluid is water contamination.

Brake Fluid

The brake fluid is hygroscopic which is easy to absorb water vapor when the contact with air. Contact with air can occur at any time, from the beginning of open container brake fluid, air infiltration due to the less tightly seal between the components of a car braking system.

Advised when purchasing brake fluid, do not open it first if it’s not going to wear. Because it’s so open, brake fluid will be in contact with air. So when it opened must be directly used in full, do not be left to poured again on the other day

Water vapor can also be slipped in because the car owners ‘diligent’ look at the brake fluid reservoir, brake fluid contacts the outside air so frequently. But open the reservoir cap is not prohibited. E.g. add the reduced volume of brake fluid.

Knowing the water content in brake fluid can not be seen with the naked eye and can only be done with test kits. This water vapor lowered the boiling point of brake fluid. The lower the boiling point, its ability to get low, as we all know, brake fluid to work at high temperatures. DOT brake fluid for example, must be able to operate above 205 degrees Celsius without boiling. Allowed a minimum boiling point 140derajad Celsius. Below it should be replaced.

In brake oil, the rise of the water content of 1 to 2 percent a year after use is still within normal limits. Above it, three per cent only, Performance brake fluid could decrease up to 30%. The effect, at the foot brake pedal must be deeper or even beaten to compress the air first. On brakes with ABS, excessive pressure will make this tool does not work optimally.

Advised to ask the garage to do the examination with a wet boiling point tester to determine with precision the boiling point of brake fluid, testing should be done regularly once every year, provided the entire braking system works well and quickly replace a damaged braking system components, typically caused by brake fluid which is less good quality.

Tests with a wet boiling point tester can also be used to determine if brake fluids is still safe in use or should be replaced. If it is still above its boiling point of 140 Celsius, still a good sign, but to be safe, drained every 1 – 1.5 years.