Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that applies braking force to all four of the vehicle’s wheels when the driver presses on the brake pedal. Seems pretty straightforward, right? But did you know that not all brake fluid formulas are created equally, and that some brands deliver better performance than others?
So, what does it mean for brake fluid to be considered “ultra-premium”?
Designed By and Tested for OEMs
Before deciding to make the switch at your shop to ultra-premium brake fluids let’s establish what the term really means. First, brake fluids with this designation are designed for and tested by OEMs. This means that they are held to the highest standards of quality and safety, and suitable for use in the vehicle as it rolls off of the production line – a certification that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars for a brake fluid manufacturer to obtain!
Extreme Low Temperature Viscosity
Next, ultra-premium brake fluids should feature extreme low-temperature viscosity. This means that the brake fluid has been tested to exceed performance specifications under extreme driving conditions, offering dependable brake system operation in even the lowest temperatures.
High Wet and Dry Boiling Points
Ultra-premium brake fluids need to have high wet and dry boiling points to ensure optimal safety and performance. ADVICS’ DOT 3 and DOT 4 LV formulations feature minimum wet and dry boiling point temperatures that are the maximum temperatures for other brands. Higher wet boiling points mean that brake fluid is less likely to boil under hot braking conditions, thus preventing gas bubbles from entering the brake lines and hydraulic system of the vehicle.
Additionally, brake fluid with high wet and dry boiling points is less susceptible to vapor lock. Vapor lock occurs when brake fluid gets hot enough to vaporize and bring air bubbles into the vehicle’s fluid and hydraulic lines. This can be extremely dangerous, as vaporized brake fluid prevents the braking system from operating properly and can even cause a total brake failure.
Benefits to Techs and Customers
The benefits of ultra-premium brake fluid extend to both customers and technicians. Because ultra-premium brake fluid formulas are designed and tested to stand up against the most rigorous OEM standards, using these formulas on customer vehicles will provide them with the safest braking experience while still maintaining optimal pedal feel.
By providing your customers with top quality, ultra-premium replacement parts for their braking system you help reduce comebacks to the shop, increase customer satisfaction and ensure that the great service you provide is complemented by the best parts available.
