Brake Fluid Quality and Brake Performance

The condition of brake fluid is important to automotive safety, reliability and brake system longevity. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time. Increasing moisture levels in the brake fluid lower the boiling point, increase viscosity and cause corrosion of system components. Brake fluid with high moisture content can boil when extreme braking is required or a pad sticks. The effect of boiling is the same as when there is air in the system. The pedal sinks to the floor and stopping power is greatly reduced. The increased viscosity of brake fluid with high water content can affect both standard and ABS systems. In cold climates viscous fluid is no longer able to flow freely through the brake lines and fittings. There is increasing awareness among service technicians that water in brake fluid causes corrosion to system components including expensive ABS controllers.