Do brake fluid test strips work?
The Brake Strip™ test is the only one of its kind and considered to be the most accurate method available today for determining when to replace brake fluid.
How does the electronic brake fluid tester work?
Its affinity for moisture reduces its high boiling point and this can cause contaminated fluid to boil in the braking system, creating vapour lock. DIY testers (as pictured) work by assessing the electrical conductivity of the fluid and, using internal circuitry, utilising an algorithm to assess the water content.
What is a brake fluid tester called?
There are 2 common tools used to test brake fluid. One is a conductivity tester, the other is a boiling point tester. Bendix does not recommend using a conductivity tester as they have been known to fail when testing freshly opened brake fluid.
What percentage of water is acceptable in brake fluid?
around 3% water
This is referred to as the “wet” boiling point, as around 3% water is considered the safe limit for brake fluid, and it should be replaced if the water content gets any higher. If the boiling point of the fluid becomes too low, it may boil inside your brake calipers under hard braking.
How do you test brake fluid?
To check your brake fluid, do the following: Clean the top of the reservoir carefully. Open the top of your brake fluid reservoir. Look to see where the fluid level lies; make sure that the brake fluid level is within half an inch or so of the cap. Check the color of your brake fluid.
What kind of brake fluid should I use?
DOT brake fluid is used in car and motorcycle hydraulic brake systems. There are several different types of fluid: Dot 3, 4 and 5.1 are glycol-based fluids – glycol-based brake fluids are “hygroscopic” which means that they will absorb water.
Is brake fluid the same thing as power steering fluid?
No they are not the same thing and cannot be used interchangeably. You can substitute Automatic transmission fluid for power steering fluid in your car if you are in a bind and need something, but it’s best to use power steering fluid. Do not put brake fluid in your power steering pump, it will destroy the pump.
Why is test brake fluid?
The cheap electronic brake fluid testers measure moisture content in the fluid because the brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air. Enough moisture in the fluid can cause the brakes to feel spongy, they won’t work as well, and can boil the fluid quicker during heavier use.