What Brake Fluid Does
Brake fluid is part of your cars brake actuation system. It is basically the blood within your cars hydraulics, designed to be able to push brake components onto one another and create braking force that becomes heat. It is also designed to be able to get to high temperatures without boiling (which would create air and a spongy feel to the brake pedal).
Brake Fluid Absorbs Moisture
Brake fluid is Hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from its surrounding environment. This will allow it to have a lower boiling temperature and it can also create corrosion.
What Corrosion Looks Like
In the above picture you will see a corroded piston and a new replacement. Although much of the rust you can see was from other exterior issues you get the idea on what can happen. This piston issue caused the brakes to be unbalanced (car pulled to the left under hard braking) and premature wear of the disc brake pads and rotors.
How We Check Brake Fluid at Automotive Solutions
During servicing at Automotive Solutions Kauri we test the brake fluid for water content and change it or notify you, saving you time and money in the long run.
If you think that the fluid in your car has not been changed or tested, please let us know and we will arrange a time to test it for you.
