

You must check your brake fluid regularly and ensure you are using the right DOT type.

It also absorbs moisture from the air to keep the boiling point as high as possible - else you would 'lose' your brakes. It transfers braking force into pressure to make your brakes work and slow your car down. Brake fluid is described as wet when there is 3.7% or more water content in it.īrake fluid is a hydraulic fluid used in most modern vehicles. Wet Boiling Point - The minimum temperature needed to change brake fluid's state of matter from a liquid to a gas with 3.7% or more water present in the fluid.
#Does brake fluid absorb water drivers
This helps drivers identify what type of fluid they need.ĭry Boiling Point - The minimum temperature needed to change brake fluid's state of matter from a liquid to a gas with no water present. A brake fluid categorisation system originally designed in America but is now standard across much of Europe, including the UK. It reduces the chances of your wheels locking and you losing control.ĭOT - Department of Transport. A hydrophobic substance will repel water rather than attracting or absorbing it.Īnti-Lock Braking System - A braking system fitted to many modern cars to prevent drivers from skidding under heavy braking. Hydrophobic - Simply meaning, 'afraid of water'. Silicone-based - A synthetic rubber-plastic hybrid compound that forms the base for many things, such as sealant, lubricant and some types of brake fluid. Glycol-Ether - A group of organic solvents used in industry to make many things, such as paint, cleaner and brake fluid.

This can mean the pedal goes all the way to the floor or your brakes feel spongy. 'Losing' brakes - The term used for when your brakes no longer slow your car down. Brake fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid. Hydraulic Fluid - A type of liquid used to transfer power in hydraulic machinery.
