What is Brake Fluid?

In the Philippines, taking care of your car is commonly overlooked. This is due to the fact that there is a great deal of car service stations all over the country. Professionals are ready and willing to help customers in order to achieve optimum performance in maintaining their cars. Vehicle owners often check their vehicles’ tires, water temperature, and air conditioning. Engine parts, fluids, transmissions, and even muffler in the Philippines are not monitored properly by vehicle owners most of the time. Seasoned drivers, however, understand the importance of the lowering levels of fluids that make the vehicle engine run.

What is Brake Fluid?

Brake fluid is a type of fluid that transfers power into the hydraulic machinery in order for the machine to perform simple work. It is used to transport force into pressure in order to amplify the braking force of the vehicle. In its viscous state, fluids are non-compressible. The fluid’s molecular components do not possess internal voids; therefore the molecules are packed well together. Force is then better transferred in bulk in order to compress the fluid’s chemical bonds.

Brake Fluid Compression

The components used for brake fluids are virtually not compressible. This means that the chemical properties of brake fluid cannot change properties. It has a very high boiling point in order for the fluid to sustain enough heat without changing chemical properties. Brake fluids are naturally subjected to very high temperatures and must maintain a very high temperature stability property in order for the fluid to remain flowing. Overheated brake fluids result in voids within its molecular properties, causing it to vaporize within the engine lines. Vaporization remains a problem since vapor is highly compressible, negating the hydraulic transfer of the braking force. In result, your vehicle’s brakes will not work and will fail to stop the car from moving.

Brake Fluid Maintenance

Brake fluids are generally manufactured to last for up to two years, with a regularly scheduled top-up. Viscosity is very important in order to maintain a reliable, consistent brake system operation. This means that the brake fluid must not change properties even when subjected to very high temperatures. In addition, the brake fluid must not vaporize in extreme heat, nor should it freeze when subjected to extreme cold, in order for your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system to continue functioning properly. Your vehicle’s brake fluids must be able to protect the car’s internal system from corrosion; this means that brake fluids must stop moisture from entering the system since it results in corrosion.

Your vehicle is an important responsibility that needs your time and attention. There is certainly no harm in having additional personal knowledge about the often overlooked parts such as brake fluid maintenance or cleaning your muffler. In spite of this, do not hesitate to ask for assistance especially from professionals; in the Philippines, a multitude of auto service stations remain ready to aid you in keeping your vehicle in its optimum performance. Remember that having important knowledge about your vehicle and how to maintain it can save you when caught in a (traffic) jam.