ATE brake fluids. We pay for German quality

Company history and products

It makes sense to say a few words about the company itself. ATE was founded in 1906 in Frankfurt, Germany. Initially, all production was reduced to the manufacture of accessories for cars and individual parts on orders from large car manufacturers at that time.

The turning point was 1926. At this time, the world's first hydraulic brake system was created and introduced into serial production using the developments of ATE.

Today ATE is a company not only with a worldwide reputation, but also with a huge amount of experience in the production of brake system components. All fluids produced under this brand are based on glycols and polyglycols. Currently, this company does not make silicone formulations.

There are several common features that ATE brake fluids have in common.

1. Consistent quality and composition uniformity. Regardless of the batch, all ATE brake fluids of the same nomenclature will be identical in composition and can be mixed with each other without fear.
2. No fakes on the market. An iron can and a system of protective elements (branded hologram with a QR code, a special shape of a cork and a valve on the neck) make counterfeiting of this company's products impractical for counterfeit manufacturers.
3. The price is slightly above average. You have to pay for quality and stability. Unbranded e-liquids are generally cheaper than similar products from ATE.
4. market shortage. ATE brake fluids are mainly distributed to European markets. Deliveries to the countries of the customs union and the CIS are limited.

There is one subtle point that some drivers note. Officially, the company in its booklets indicates that ATE brake fluids work from 1 to 3 years, depending on the specific composition. There are no these loud statements, as from some other manufacturers of glycol compounds, that their liquid is capable of working out for 5 years.

It may seem that ATE brake fluids are of lesser quality and last less. However, 3 years is actually the life limit for any glycol brake fluid. No matter how manufacturers assure the opposite, today there are no additives that can completely suppress or significantly level the hygroscopic property of alcohols. All glycol fluids absorb water from the environment.

Types of ATE brake fluids

Let's take a brief look at the main types of ATE brake fluids and their scope.

1. ATE G. The simplest and cheapest brake fluid in the product line. It was created according to the DOT-3 standard. Dry boiling point +245°C. When humidified by 3-4% of the total volume, the boiling point drops to +150°C. Kinematic viscosity - 1500 cSt at -40°C. Service life - 1 year from the date of opening the container.
2. ATE FIG. Relatively simple and the first DOT-4 liquid in the series. The boiling point of dry and moistened liquids is increased to +260 and +165°C, respectively, due to additives. Kinematic viscosity is reduced to 1400 cSt. ATE SL fluid is able to work stably for as long as 1 year.
3. ATE SL 6. Very low viscosity DOT-4 fluid at -40°C: only 700 cSt. Available for brake systems designed for low-viscosity compounds. It is not recommended to fill in a conventional brake system, as this can cause a leak. Suitable for operation in the northern regions. Boiling point of fresh liquid is not lower than +265°C, moistened liquid is not lower than +175°C. Warranty period of operation - 2 years.

4. ATE TYPE. Liquid with increased resistance to water absorption from the environment. Works for at least 3 years from the date of opening the container. Kinematic viscosity at -40°C - 1400 cSt. In dry form, the liquid will boil no earlier than it warms up to + 280 ° C. When enriched with water, the boiling point drops to +198°C.
5. ATE Super Blue Racing. The latest development of the company. Outwardly, it is distinguished by a blue color (other ATE products have a yellow color). Characteristics are completely identical to TYP. The difference lies in the improved environmental component and more stable viscosity properties over a wide temperature range.

ATE brake fluids can be used in any car in which the system is designed for the appropriate standard (DOT 3 or 4).

Reviews of motorists

Motorists respond positively to brake fluid in the vast majority of cases. There are a large number of apparently non-commercial and non-promotional reviews about this product on the Internet.

After pouring this fluid instead of a cheaper one, many drivers notice an increase in the responsiveness of the brake pedal. Reduced system response time. Inertia disappears.

Regarding the service life, the forums have reviews about ATE from motorists who control the condition of the fluid with a special tester. And for the central strip of Russia (climate of medium humidity), ATE brake fluids work out their time without problems. At the same time, the indicator, at the end of the manufacturer's regulatory period, only recommends replacing the fluid, but does not prohibit the operation of the car.

Negative reviews often mention the absence of this liquid on the shelves of car dealerships or overpricing by sellers as an exclusive product.

Practical comparison of different brake pads, half of them squeak.