Following on from the previous articles concerning vehicle fluids, this article is concerned with a safety critical fluid - brake fluid. A vehicle braking system that has hydraulic actuation, uses hydrostatic power that is generated in the master cylinder to activate the wheel cylinders. The hydrostatic power is distributed throughout the brake system via a fluid. Unlike other fluids in motor cars, motor cycles and other vehicles; brake fluid does not have a mineral oil base. Brake fluid has different performance ratings too. We are all familiar with the DOT rating of brake fluid, such as DOT3. As vehicle performance increased over the years, the brakes had to work harder to slow down the vehicles. DOT 3, DOT4, DOT5.1 fluids are poly glycol ether based fluids. Other esters are added to the base stock to improve certain characteristics, including the wet and dry boiling points. DOT5 is a silicone-based fluid.
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