Understanding Brake Fluid

Brake fluid, a type of hydraulic fluid, transfers power within your vehicle’s brake system. It’s what ensures that when you put your foot on the brake pedal, your vehicle comes to a stop. Like all hydraulic fluids, brake fluid is non-compressible. That means when pressure from the brake pedal is applied at one end of the brake system, the fluid in a vehicle’s brake line is forced to move through that system. This force is transferred to a vacuum powered brake boost, then all the way to the brake pads that ultimately press against a vehicle's wheels and bring it to a halt. For this reason, brake fluid is a critical component of your vehicle. Anything that might degrade the quality of your fluid -- such as moisture absorbed from the air -- will hurt its performance and may ultimately hinder your vehicle’s braking.