What can be filled in instead of brake fluid?
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What to use instead of brake fluid?
Any liquid cannot be poured into the system. It's all about the characteristics of the brake substance, so it is required to select the fluid that is as close as possible in properties.
According to the regulations for the use of brake fluid, mixing substances with different characteristics or using other products is prohibited. However, in some cases, for example, when a fluid leak has occurred, and it will not be possible to make an emergency replacement, then the following can be applied instead:
- soapy water;
- power steering oil or automatic transmission;
- regular engine oil;
- alcohol.
Soapy water
Normal water cannot be used. This will lead to an accelerated corrosion process. In addition, it evaporates at 100ºC, and the brakes are constantly heated. It is better to use soapy water. At the same time, a large amount of soap must be dissolved in it.
Adding soap reduces the hardness of the water and does not cause much damage to the brakes, so you can safely use this method to urgently get to the service station.
Oil power steering and automatic transmission
Power steering oil in its characteristics resembles brake fluid. In an emergency, you can use it and get to the service center.
Engine oil
By its structure, it is very thick, so it must be diluted before using it. Water must not be used to avoid corrosion. In this case, you can use solar.
Alcohol
Oddly enough, alcohol is very similar in characteristics to brake fluid. In addition, it does not pose serious harm to mechanisms.
Should I flush the system or fill the brake fluid immediately?
It must be remembered that when using alternative substances, system parts are subject to active wear. The options listed above can only be used to urgently get to the service center and carry out a replacement.
Some drivers do this on their own. The most important thing to remember is an urgent flushing of the system after using temporary analogues. It is necessary to drain the replacement substance from the system as much as possible so that the parts do not wear out in the future.
Also, do not forget about the type and characteristics of the brake fluid used. If several types of different substances are lying around in the garage, then it is strictly forbidden to mix them.
Carefully monitor the condition of your car and all its systems so that a sudden malfunction does not lead to an emergency replacement of the brake fluid. And get regular maintenance checks.
