Importance of brake fluid in the braking system of a car

The braking system is an important part of the vehicle which helps a person to get control over the vehicle. Driving a vehicle with an inefficient braking system could cause an accident. Thus, efforts should be made to keep the braking system in working order. Routine inspection of different components of the braking system helps a lot to spot and repair the mechanical malfunctions associated with the concerned components of the vehicle.

The hydraulic braking system is more efficient as compared to the mechanical braking system. The hydraulic fluid used in the hydraulic braking system is the reason behind its superiority over its mechanical counterpart. However, the lack of an adequate amount of brake fluid might affect the efficiency of the braking system in a very adverse way. Warning signs which indicate that brake fluid needs to be replaced should not be ignored. The quality and quantity of the brake fluid should be subjected to inspection and if necessary should be replaced with suitable substitutes.

The function of the brake fluid:

The hydraulic braking system works based on Pascal's law of uniform pressure distribution. The hydraulic fluid used in the braking system helps to amplify force into pressure. It is based on the fact that liquid is uncompressible which helps a lot to amplify the force. Brake fluid has some unique characteristics like stable viscosity and high boiling point which helps the fluid to deal with the temperature fluctuation at an extreme level.

The main ingredient of the brake fluid is the glycol-eather which is hygroscopic which means that it has a higher potential to absorb external moisture. The presence of excess amounts of moisture in the brake fluid could impair the braking system of the car. Thus, it is essential to inspect the quality and quantity of the brake fluid at a regular interval and the brake fluid should be replaced or flushed after two to three years interval to keep the braking system in working order.

Problems associated with the brake fluid:

Brake fluid plays a crucial role in the performance of the braking system. Problems in the brake fluid might jeopardize the braking system of the car. Thus, everyone should be aware of the factors which should be taken into consideration to keep the braking system in working order.

Moisture in brake fluid:

As mentioned in the early paragraph, brake fluid is hygroscopic and thus attracts a huge amount of moisture from the atmosphere through the rubber seal. The presence of an excess amount of water molecules in the brake fluid reduces the hygroscopic nature of the brake fluid. Thus, regular inspection of the brake fluid is essential and if necessary should be replaced with suitable substitutes.

Deposition of sludge:

The deposition of metallic sludge or other contaminants in the brake fluid could also affect the efficiency of the braking system in a very adverse way. Thus, the condition of the brake fluid should be subjected to inspection after a certain time interval and if necessary it should be flushed to remove the deposited sludge and to enhance the efficiency of the braking system of the car.

Brake fluid leakage:

An insufficient amount of brake fluid might also impair the braking system of a car. Thus, leakage of the brake fluid shouldn’t be ignored. The pinhole responsible for the reduction of the brake fluid level should be identified and repaired immediately to prevent any major malfunctions in the braking system.

Besides, brake fluid level should be subjected to regular inspection. Sign of the brake fluid reduction should not be ignored. Leakage of any kind of fluid from the car including the lubricants used in the car could have catastrophic outcomes. Thus, efforts should be made to prevent such kinds of leakage.

Conclusion:

Brakes play a vital role in the performance of the vehicle as it helps to reduce the speed of a vehicle. The introduction of the hydraulic braking system has significantly enhanced the efficiency of the braking system. However, the hydraulic braking system needs regular maintenance and any signs which indicate that the braking system has some sort of malfunctions that should not be ignored. Thus, everyone should be aware of the factors which should be taken into consideration to keep the braking system in working order. Regular inspection of the quality and quantity of the brake fluid is really necessary. Brake fluid should be replaced or flushed after a certain time interval to keep the braking system in intact condition.