Brake Fluid
Brake fluid transmits the force from the brake pedal to the brakes at each wheel.
What is Brake Fluid?
Most cars use glycol-based fluids such as DOT 3, DOT 4 or DOT 5.1. It absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point. DOT 5 silicone fluid is not compatible with glycol-based systems and must never be mixed.
How it works
Pressing the pedal pushes fluid from the master cylinder through pipes to the calipers, pushing the pads onto the discs.
Why it matters for your car
Old fluid can boil under heavy braking and cause a soft pedal. Change it at the specified interval. Brake fluid damages paint; wipe spills immediately with water.
Other terms
- Cold-Weather Range Loss
- Convertible Roof (Soft Top Or Folding Hard Top)
- Coupé
- Crankshaft
- Duty Cycle
- Engine Surging (Hunting Idle)
- Four-Wheel Drive (4WD, 4×4)
- Fuel Pump Control Module (Fuel Pump Driver)
- Gear Lever (Gear Selector)
- Induction Heater
- Interior Fragrance System
- Leather Conditioner
- Master Cylinder
- Mid-Engine Layout
- Paint Runs (Sags)
- Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
- Reduced Power Mode In Electric Cars (Turtle Mode)
- Returnless Fuel System
- Seatbelt Load Limiter
- Vehicle Speed Sensor