31/10/2014
The Vital Role of Brake Maintenance
Ensuring your vehicle's braking system is in optimal condition is paramount for safety and performance. Two key components in maintaining this system are brake cleaner and brake fluid. While often overlooked by the average car owner, understanding their function and proper usage can significantly contribute to a safer driving experience and prevent costly repairs down the line. This guide will delve into the specifics of a popular brake cleaner, GreaseApe, and provide a comprehensive overview of how to manage your vehicle's brake fluid, including essential maintenance tips.
GreaseApe Brake Cleaner: A Deep Dive
GreaseApe Brake Cleaner is a specialised cleaning solution meticulously formulated to tackle the unique challenges of cleaning brake components. Its primary purpose is to effectively dissolve and remove stubborn contaminants that can compromise braking efficiency. These contaminants commonly include brake dust, residual oil, and various other forms of grime that accumulate on brake discs, calipers, and pads over time.
Key Features and Benefits of GreaseApe Brake Cleaner:
- Evaporates Fast: One of the most significant advantages of GreaseApe Brake Cleaner is its rapid evaporation rate. This ensures that it leaves no unwanted residue on the cleaned surfaces. A clean and dry brake component is crucial for optimal friction and consistent braking performance.
- No Residue: The absence of residue is critical. Any lingering film or particles could interfere with the brake pads' contact with the disc, leading to reduced stopping power or uneven wear.
- Dissolves Oil & Grease: Its powerful solvent action is specifically designed to break down and lift away oily residues and greasy build-up, which are common culprits in reduced braking effectiveness.
- No Chlorine, No Acetone: The formulation's exclusion of harsh chemicals like chlorine and acetone is a testament to its user-friendly and component-safe design. These chemicals can sometimes be too aggressive and potentially damage rubber seals or other delicate brake parts.
- Quick Drying: This feature directly contributes to the efficiency of the cleaning process. You can quickly move on to the next step of maintenance or assembly without lengthy waiting times.
- Powerful Cleaning Ability: GreaseApe Brake Cleaner is engineered to be a potent cleaning agent. It efficiently tackles the tough build-up of brake dust, a fine abrasive material that, if left unchecked, can accelerate wear on brake components.
- Safe for Brake Components: Crucially, this cleaner is developed with the specific needs of brake systems in mind. It is formulated to be safe for all standard brake parts, ensuring that it cleans effectively without causing corrosion or damage to metal surfaces, rubber seals, or other sensitive materials.
- Easy to Use: The application process is straightforward and requires no specialised equipment. A simple spray onto the affected area, a brief waiting period for the solvent to work, and a wipe with a clean cloth is usually all that's needed.
- Versatile: While its primary application is for brake systems, GreaseApe Brake Cleaner's effectiveness extends to other metal surfaces. It can be safely used on engine parts, machinery components, and other metal surfaces that require thorough degreasing and cleaning. This versatility makes it a valuable addition to any workshop or garage.
- Improves Performance: By meticulously removing contaminants that hinder friction and heat dissipation, GreaseApe Brake Cleaner directly contributes to improved braking performance. This can translate into sharper stopping, reduced brake fade (the loss of braking effectiveness under heavy use), and an overall enhancement in vehicle safety.
Understanding Brake Fluid: The Lifeblood of Your Brakes
Brake fluid, along with clutch fluid in vehicles with manual transmissions, is a critical hydraulic fluid that facilitates the braking and clutch operation. Its primary function is to transmit the force applied to the brake pedal (or clutch pedal) to the braking mechanism (calipers or wheel cylinders) and the clutch system. This transmission of force is achieved through hydraulic pressure.
The Importance of Brake Fluid Quality and Level:
The effectiveness of your braking system is directly dependent on the quality and quantity of brake fluid. If the fluid level is too low, or if the fluid itself has degraded, the system cannot generate adequate hydraulic pressure, leading to a significant reduction in braking power. This can be incredibly dangerous, especially in emergency situations.
Brake Fluid Ratings (DOT Standards):
You'll often encounter 'DOT' ratings when discussing brake fluid. These ratings refer to the standards set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) in the United States, which classify brake fluids based on their performance characteristics, particularly their boiling points. Higher DOT ratings generally indicate higher boiling points, which are crucial for preventing the fluid from boiling under the extreme heat generated during braking.
Most modern vehicles, including cars and many motorcycles, utilise DOT 4 brake fluid. However, it is absolutely essential to consult your vehicle's owner's manual to confirm the specific type of brake fluid recommended for your car, as using the incorrect type can compromise safety and damage the braking system.
Brake Fluid and Clutch Fluid: An Interconnected System:
In many vehicles, the same brake fluid is used for both the braking system and the clutch system. This is because both systems operate on the principle of hydraulic pressure. Therefore, maintaining the quality and level of brake fluid directly impacts the performance of both your brakes and your clutch.
How to Check Your Brake Fluid
Checking your brake fluid level is a simple yet vital maintenance task that can be performed by most vehicle owners. Here's how:
- Locate the Reservoir: Open your vehicle's bonnet (hood) and locate the brake fluid reservoir. It's typically a translucent plastic container situated near the back of the engine bay, often on the driver's side.
- Identify Markers: The reservoir will have clear markings indicating the minimum and maximum fluid levels.
- Assess the Level: Observe the fluid level within the reservoir. If it is below the 'minimum' marker, it indicates that the fluid level is low, and it may be time to top it up or investigate for potential leaks.
- Check Fluid Condition: While you're checking the level, also take note of the fluid's colour and clarity. New brake fluid is typically clear or slightly amber. If the fluid appears dark, murky, or has visible contaminants, it suggests that the fluid has degraded or become contaminated and should be replaced.
How to Change Brake Fluid: A Step-by-Step Guide
Changing brake fluid is a more involved process than simply checking it, but it's a crucial maintenance task that should be performed at recommended intervals, typically every two years, to ensure optimal braking performance and prevent corrosion within the system. While it can be done at home, it requires careful attention to detail and the right tools. Using products like the Halfords Vizibleed aid can make the process safer and easier.
Before You Begin:
- Gather Supplies: You will need new brake fluid (the correct DOT rating for your vehicle), a brake cleaner (like GreaseApe) to flush the system, new rubber gloves, eye protection, a wrench to open bleed valves, a collection container for old fluid, and a brake bleeding kit (e.g., the Halfords Vizibleed).
- Consult Your Manual: Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for specific instructions and recommendations regarding brake fluid type and the bleeding procedure.
The Process:
- Drain Old Fluid: Start by using a turkey baster or a syringe to remove as much of the old brake fluid as possible from the reservoir.
- Flush the System: Before refilling with new fluid, it's highly recommended to flush the system. Spray a small amount of brake cleaner into the reservoir and allow it to work through the system briefly, then drain it out again. This helps to remove any lingering contaminants.
- Refill with New Fluid: Fill the reservoir with the new, correct type of brake fluid up to the 'maximum' line.
- Bleed the Brakes: This is the most critical part. Bleeding the brakes involves removing air from the hydraulic lines. The process typically starts at the wheel furthest from the master cylinder and works its way closer.
- Attach the brake bleeding kit (e.g., Vizibleed) to the bleed valve on the brake caliper or wheel cylinder.
- Open the bleed valve slightly.
- Have an assistant press the brake pedal down.
- As the pedal is held down, close the bleed valve.
- Release the brake pedal.
- Repeat this process for each wheel, ensuring the reservoir doesn't run dry at any point. Continue bleeding until clean, air-free fluid emerges from the bleed valve.
- Top Up and Check: Once all wheels have been bled, top up the brake fluid reservoir to the 'maximum' line and securely replace the cap.
- Test Brakes: Carefully test the brake pedal feel. It should be firm and not spongy. Test the brakes at a low speed in a safe area before driving at normal speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is brake fluid the same as clutch fluid?
Yes, in the vast majority of vehicles, brake fluid and clutch fluid are indeed the same hydraulic fluid. They are both designed to transmit hydraulic pressure efficiently. However, it is always paramount to verify compatibility and the recommended fluid type in your vehicle's owner's manual.
How often should brake fluid be changed?
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere over time. This absorbed moisture lowers the fluid's boiling point and can lead to corrosion within the brake system. Therefore, it is generally recommended to change the brake fluid every two years, or as specified by your vehicle manufacturer.
What happens if I use the wrong type of brake fluid?
Using the wrong type of brake fluid can have serious consequences. It can lead to the degradation of rubber seals and hoses within the braking system, potentially causing leaks and brake failure. It can also affect the boiling point of the fluid, leading to reduced braking performance and increased risk of brake fade.
Why does my brake fluid look dark?
Dark or murky brake fluid typically indicates that the fluid has absorbed a significant amount of moisture and/or has accumulated contaminants over time. This degradation compromises the fluid's performance and can lead to corrosion within the brake system. It's a clear sign that the fluid needs to be replaced.
Can I use any brake cleaner on my car?
While many brake cleaners are available, it's essential to use one that is specifically designed for automotive brake components, such as GreaseApe Brake Cleaner. These cleaners are formulated to be effective against brake dust and grease without damaging sensitive brake materials like rubber seals or certain metal alloys. Always check the product label for compatibility with your vehicle's brake system.
Conclusion
Maintaining your vehicle's braking system is a non-negotiable aspect of road safety. By understanding the function and proper use of products like GreaseApe Brake Cleaner and by diligently following the procedures for checking and changing your brake fluid, you can ensure your brakes operate at their peak performance. Regular checks and timely maintenance will not only enhance your safety but also contribute to the longevity of your vehicle's braking components.
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