Diamond Head Motors 2006 Ltd
1008 Industrial Way Squamish, BC V8B 0G9 604-892-3365
Brake fluid is one of those maintenance items that’s easy for Squamish drivers to overlook. For one, it doesn’t have to be replaced that often and when it should it’s often not as well-defined as, say, an oil change. Brake fluid does become contaminated over time, however, and needs to be replaced before damage is done.
Two of the most common contaminants in brake fluid are water and copper.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts moisture. Over several years it can actually build up a fair amount of water. Too much water in the brake fluid causes a couple of problems. First, water can react with brake system components and cause rust corrosion which can lead to leaks. Second, the water could boil. By the calipers, brake components can get very hot. Water in the brake lines in that area can turn to steam which doesn’t compress like brake fluid. That can really reduce stopping power.
It may seem strange to talk about testing for copper in brake fluid, but what Squamish drivers may not know is that the steel brake lines (hoses), are actually lined with copper. The copper protects the brake lines from rusting due to the water that collects in the fluid.
As brake fluid heats and cools, some of the copper lining ionizes and flows around in the fluid. This can lead to two potential problems. First, if enough copper comes off the lining, the steel in the lines is unprotected and can corrode. Second, the copper ions floating around are “looking” for some metal to bond with. This leads to copper plating in some sensitive areas like the anti-lock brake module which can hurt its function.
Ask your Diamond Head Motors 2006 Ltd Service Advisor if it’s time to test your brake fluid and inspect your brake system. We can make sure your brakes are up to their very important job.
Stop by or give us a call.
Diamond Head Motors 2006 Ltd
1008 Industrial Way
Squamish, BC V8B 0G9
604-892-3365
At Diamond Head Motors 2006 Ltd we install quality NAPA replacement parts.