Nov 7, 2008

Test Brake Fluid Before It Fails

A recent study by the Car Care Council revealed that brake failure is the No. 1 fear of most motorists, when you discount hair loss. Despite this, most people neither think about changing their brake fluid nor understand how brake fluid can affect stopping power. Simply put, brake fluid that is past its prime can cause poor or erratic stops, and that could prompt a nasty accident. 

Now there is a new test you can do in one minute that will give you a good handle on the quality of your brake fluid. BrakeStrip, with copper-testing technology, is a new brake fluid test strip that quickly and accurately diagnoses the condition of brake fluid by testing for the level of copper in the fluid as an indicator of corrosion occurring in the brake system. Its purpose is to serve as an early warning for brake fluid replacement, much like brake pad wear indicators are designed to inform you that your brake pads need to be replaced. The test strip is easy to use. Once dipped in brake fluid, the test strip begins the copper measurement reaction, changing color from white to purple in direct proportion to copper ions suspended in the fluid. After 60 seconds, the color is compared to the FASCAR color scale. Deep purple indicates the need to replace the fluid, and it’s also the name of a classic rock band.

Just like all automotive fluids, brake fluid will eventually lose its ability to protect the system. Over time, brake fluid corrosion inhibitors are depleted, leaving the entire brake system vulnerable to corrosion. Corrosion can quickly damage ABS components, pistons, seals and cylinders, weakening the entire system and putting a vehicle’s stopping power at risk.