Whenever there is a possibility that air may have entered the brake and braking system or systems, either through a component failure or during repairs, then the braking system must always be “bled” thoroughly to operate properly. When air enters the brake system, the only result can and will be a spongy or totally useless non-functional brake pedal to stop your vehicle. At the worst you may have to rely on your handbrake in an emergency setting to provide some recourse. Perhaps you have a manual rather than automatic transmission with which you can “gear down” or engine brake to some degree in an emergency setting on the road.

Hydraulic fluid is used to operate the wheel cylinders or disc brake pistons because it does not compress when the brake pedal is pushed and pressure is formed in the brake lines. Even the slightest amount of air in the lines will cause the brakes to feel “spongy”, causing an unsafe driving condition.

Hydraulic brake fluid is also “hydroscopic” that is “water loving.” What this means is that hydraulic brake fluids tend to absorb moisture and water vapor over time. Moisture can also penetrate the brake system and braking system through the rubber hoses and seals. Each and every time your vehicle’s master fluid cylinder reservoir is opened this is a chance for the water loving hydrophilic, brake fluid to easily encounter moisture in the air, and thus accept and mix with more moisture, adulterating the fluid and reducing its braking capacity and capacities.

Moisture contaminated braking hydraulic fluid has two problems. First it lowers the boiling point and boiling points of the brake fluid which means under hard use the fluid can heat up, vaporize and “boil” inside the calipers, wheel cylinders or brake lines causing a loss of brake and braking actions. Secondly moisture in the brake lines and hydraulic brake fluid causes and encourages ongoing internal rust and corrosion. This is exactly why professional mechanics and factory authorized and trained auto dealership service consultants and writers recommend that a brake system be periodically flushed and refilled with new fresh brake fluid as a part of regular and ongoing auto maintenance schedules. Few ever think of “bleeding “and replacing their brake fluid. Brake fluid it seems is taken for granted, similar to transmission fluid replacement- that is until expensive mechanical repairs arise for the auto owner.

Silicone based brake fluid is available as a premium quality replacement. Silicone brake fluid is a great improvement over older standard hydraulic brake fluid as it is non-hydroscopic. Thus the newer type of replacement braking fluids – silicone based – are non-hydroscopic so that virtually all moisture and corrosion problems in the hydraulic brake systems are eliminated, taken care of and prevented off the hop. But as you guessed it there is a catch in the equation. There is no such thing as a free lunch when it comes to auto service and ownership. It seems for automobile owners who want premium service – there are premium costs over base ownership and auto maintenance materials and costs.

The newer brake fluid types are many times more expensive over the older standby – ordinary run of the mill big box store generic brand hydraulic brake fluids.

Author Bio: Kirk W. Nobbe Edmonton Auto Dealers – Fort mcMurray Alberta Auto Finance Winnipeg Used Autos Vancouver BC Auto Trader

Category: Automotive
Keywords: auto,automotive,service,maintentance,trucks,dealer,garage,safety,bleeding brakes,tires