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 glycolesters and ethers; and DOT 5 is silicone-based. Most cars produced in the US use DOT 3.
Brakefluid is a type of hydraulicfluid used in brake applications in motorcycles, automobiles, light trucks and some advanced bicycles.
Braking applications produce a lot of heat so brakefluid must have a high boiling point to remain effective and must also not freeze under normal temperatures.
Polyethylene glycol and other brakefluid ingredients may be corrosive to paint and finished surfaces such as chrome and thus care should be taken when working with the fluid.
Brakefluids 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.
Brakefluids are considered used oil and can be combined with your used oil as long as they dont contain any solvents, brake cleaners or carburetor cleaners.
Verify that contaminated brakefluid 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.