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Encyclopedia > Brake fluid

Brake fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid used in brake applications in automobiles and light trucks. It is used to transfer force under pressure from where it is created through hydraulic lines to the braking mechanism near the wheels. It works because liquids are not appreciably compressible. Braking applications produce a lot of heat so brake fluid must have a high boiling point to remain effective and must also not freeze under normal temperatures. These requirements eliminate most water-based solutions.


Brake fluid can come in a number of forms, standardized under the DOT standard. DOT 2 is essentially castor oil; DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1 are composed of various glycol esters and ethers; and DOT 5 is silicone-based. Most cars produced in the US use DOT 3.


Components of mineral brake fluid

Components of silicone brake fluid

External links



  Results from FactBites:
 
Brake fluid - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (404 words)
Brake fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid used in brake applications in motorcycles, automobiles, light trucks and some advanced bicycles.
Braking applications produce a lot of heat so brake fluid must have a high boiling point to remain effective and must also not freeze under normal temperatures.
Polyethylene glycol and other brake fluid ingredients may be corrosive to paint and finished surfaces such as chrome and thus care should be taken when working with the fluid.
Brake Fluid (631 words)
Brake fluids are not inherently hazardous, but if they contain certain additives, or if they have become contaminated with brake cleaner or other solvents, they can fall under the hazardous waste rules.
Brake fluids are considered used oil and can be combined with your used oil as long as they don’t contain any solvents, brake cleaners or carburetor cleaners.
Verify that contaminated brake fluid was properly managed and disposed/recycled as hazardous waste or that a hazardous waste determination was made that indicates it is a non-hazardous waste.
  More results at FactBites »

 

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