What is brake Liquid?

Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that transfers force when the brake pedal is pressed, facilitating the operation of a vehicle's braking system. It is typically glycol-based or silicone-based.

The early vehicles equipped with hydraulic braking systems were introduced in 1924. Alcohols, particularly polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol, and glycerol-water mixtures were used as hydraulic fluids in early motor vehicles. These products didn’t match the requirements of today’s technology and are only of historical interest.

Today, there are three types of brake fluids: (1) glycol ethers and derivatives, (2) mineral oils , and (3) silicone oils.

The main one used today are glycol-ether based, but mineral oil (Citroën Hydraulic Mineral Liquid LHM) and silicone (DOT 5) based fluids are also available. Silicone oils are mainly used on military vehicles in United States and mineral oils are used for some specific applications.

Since water is everywhere and moisture from air can permeate through microscopic pores in the rubber brake hoses, nylon master cylinder reservoir, and through various seals from the hydraulic system. As brake fluids absorb water into solution, the local concentration levels are typically low enough to avoid corrosion and when exposed to low temperatures, the solution can also prevent the water from freezing on its own.

Due to the fact that water increases the solution viscosity at low temperature and decreases the boiling point of the solution. Fluid containing moisture heats up and turns to steam inside the system creating vapor pockets. Brake fluid becomes thus more compressible loosing its ability to transmit the force necessary to effectively stop the car safely.

Reference:

TOTAL Automotive, Industry and Marine Oils (2017). Classes of Brake Fluids. Retrieved on the internet (05 Sept. 2017): https://tutor.hix.ai

Brake fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid specially formulated to transfer force from the brake pedal to the braking mechanism within a vehicle. It is essential for the proper functioning of the vehicle's braking system, as it facilitates the transmission of pressure to engage the brakes and stop the vehicle. Brake fluid operates under high temperatures and pressures and must maintain its stability and viscosity to ensure consistent brake performance. Typically, brake fluid is glycol-based or silicone-based, with glycol-based fluids being more common in modern vehicles due to their superior performance characteristics.