Brake Fluids & Lubricants

Brake fluid is the lifeblood of your brake system, the substance that delivers the hydraulic pressure that applies the brakes. Unfortunately it’s often overlooked – as long as there are no leaks and the level in the master cylinder is OK, we don’t think about it. But brake fluid begins to deteriorate as soon as it’s poured into your brake system, and after a few years it can deteriorate to the point where it may no longer stop your car. For safe driving, especially under conditions like towing, hauling, performance driving, and racing, change your brake fluid regularly and replenish with our quality products.

There are two types of brake fluid, glycol based and silicone based. The latter fluid, also known as DOT 5, is fine for classic cars because it won’t harm the paint if spilled. However, because silicone fluid aerates easily it cannot be used in anti-lock brake systems, which negates its use in just about all late model vehicles. DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1 are all glycol based fluids and classified according to their boiling points, so the right fluid can be used for each application. DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 contain additives that give them a higher boiling point than DOT 3.

All brake fluids have two boiling points, one dry and one wet. The dry boiling point is the temperature at which pure brake fluid will boil. The wet boiling point is the boiling point at which fluid that has absorbed moisture will boil. The two figures are given because glycol based fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture. The dry boiling point of DOT 3 brake fluid, the type specified for average passenger car use, is 401ºF (205ºC), while the wet boiling point drops to 284ºF (140ºC). Even with their additives to increase boiling points, DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 are similarly affected. DOT 4 has a dry boiling point of 446ºF (230ºC) and a wet boiling point of 311ºF (155ºC). DOT 5.1 has a dry boiling point of 500ºF (260ºC), with the wet boiling point reduced to 356ºF (180ºC).

It is the reduction in boiling point that affects brake fluid’s ability to perform. The more moisture the brake fluid absorbs, the more the boiling point is lowered. When moisture contaminated fluid gets hot and boils, vapor is formed, which unlike liquid, is compressible. If you’re driving in hilly terrain or towing a trailer, or driving aggressively on the street or at the race track, in any conditions where the brakes get hot and cause the fluid to boil, the pedal could go to the floor when depressed, without any hydraulic pressure applied to the brakes to stop your vehicle. In addition to dangerously lowering the boiling point, moisture in the brake fluid can also corrode parts like calipers, wheel cylinders, and ABS hydraulic units, possibly causing leaks and shortening their useable lifespan.

The answer to the moisture contamination problem is to change your brake fluid on a regular basis, especially if you live in a humid climate. Some vehicle manufacturers have recommended change intervals, but many do not. Don’t rely on the fluid’s visual appearance. To accurately determine the condition of fluid in your brake system we offer testers that can indicate the percentage of moisture in the system. We also have test strips that can be submerged in the fluid and then compared to a color scale on the packaging. When changing fluid, always use the DOT grade recommended for your vehicle. Along with their DOT classification, some brake fluids, DOT 4 racing fluid for example, are designated specifically for racing and have additives to boost the boiling point higher than the standard DOT 4 specs.

In addition to brake fluid, we also have the brake lubricants you need to properly assemble brake components. Using these lubricants during assembly is crucial to ensuring the assembled components function properly and without binding. These are specially designed silicone or synthetic based lubricants that can handle the high temperatures developed during brake operation. They won’t melt or harm rubber seals. Use this lube on caliper slide pins, rails, and bushings, and the brake shoe pads on brake backing plates, star wheel adjusters, and parking brake linkage on drum brakes. We also have spray cleaners that remove dirt and oil from brake parts, and disc brake quiet compounds that dampen vibration at the caliper/pad interface to prevent noise.

If you have a heavy-duty truck with air brakes, performing preventative maintenance before the thermometer drops below freezing is crucial if you want your brakes to perform properly. In winter, moisture in the air system can turn into ice crystals that can block air lines, cause air leaks and cause air valves to freeze up, making your brakes ineffective when you need them the most. We offer air brake antifreeze and conditioner that, when added to the air brake system, will prevent ice crystals from forming. With regular use air brake antifreeze and conditioner will also prevent corrosion and rust from forming that could cause extensive brake system damage.