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 Daily Drivers FAQ
Does Brake Fluid Last Forever?
NO! Just like engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid, brake fluid wears over time.
- Corrosion inhibitors in brake fluid are depleted
- Boiling point of brake fluid is reduced
- Thermal stability is decreased.
This leaves the brake system vulnerable to corrosion.
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How do you know when brake fluid is bad?
There is only one way to know and that is by testing with FASCAR Brake Strip. It has been determined by brake fluid manufacturers and experts that you cannot tell brake fluid condition by color. This is the most common reason "uninformed" technicians recommend a brake flush. Time and mileage is also a poor indicator because many factors effect brake fluid condition that time and mileage cannot account for. Moisture is not a good reason either. The moisture myth has been replaced with FASCAR fact. FASCAR Technology is so well researched that is has become the industry standard for testing brake fluid.
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What is the FASCAR Brake Strip?
The FASCAR Brake Strip is a small strip of plastic that has a specialized reaction zone at the end of the strip. Once dipped in brake fluid the strip begins the copper measurement reaction, changing from white to purple in direct proportion to copper ions suspended in the fluid. Compare the strip to the FASCAR color scale and in as little as 60 seconds you have immediate, reliable proof of whether or not your brake fluid meets recommended guidelines.
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What happens if I don't flush my brake fluid?
Over time the corrosion inhibitors become depleted. When they are significantly depleted the following may happen:
- Integrity of hydraulic system is compromised and exposed to possible corrosion
- Rapid increase of particulate contamination in brake fluid
- Metal oxidation catalysts speed and contribute to brake system corrosion
- Particulate contamination can cause damage to seals
- Copper has also proven to cause ABS valves not to seal properly to cause ABS valves not to seal properly
In addition to the depletion of the corrosion inhibitor depletion, copper levels significantly rise, which may cause severe problems in ABS systems... click for corrosion proof
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What the big deal about copper?
Government research confirmed that copper can form deposits around the sealing surfaces of ABS valves, which means your car may take longer to stop in a panic situation. Other research finds that copper levels in the brake fluid are the best indicators that the fluid's corrosion inhibitors are losing their punch and major corrosion is just around the corner. Copper provides a verifiable means of determining brake fluid condition.
Copper is used in the brake lines of the brake system. That is the primary source for copper in the brake fluid.
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Is there a brake fluid service standard?
For the first time in the history of the U.S.A., the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) has established a standard for brake fluid replacement. This is the industry standard for brake fluid replacement. MAP requires brake fluid replacement at 200 ppm of copper.
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Who is using FASCAR Brake Strips?
There are many large service centers using FASCAR Brake Strip or StripDip, such as: Firestone, Midas, Meineke, Sears, Mr. Tire, Tires Plus, Tire Kingdom, Big O, Brake Masters, Lithia Automotive Group (Third largest automotive group in the country), Pep Boys, and hundreds of independent service facilities.As an interesting side note, it has been reported that FASCAR technology is also being used by state regulators and "sting operations" to make sure brake flush services are being properly performed.
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Who is Phoenix Systems?
Phoenix Systems is a research and design company. Phoenix Systems holds dozens of US and Foreign patents and prides itself on bringing revolutionary problem solving technology to the automotive market.
We identify a problem, develop new technology to solve it, patent it and then market it. There are no "me too" tools found here.
Phoenix Systems specializes in brake fluid tools including the "award winning" Phoenix Injector® RFI brake bleeders, Brake flush technology and the new industry standard FASCAR® Brake Fluid Testing Technology.
The industry has responded to the new FASCAR Technology and approximately 13 million brake fluid tests have already been performed! ... more
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Can I use Brake Strip to test my own brake fluid?
To be able to test your own brake fluid you must be able to find the master cylinder. In today's cars sometimes this is more difficult then you would think. The master cylinder cap should be identifies with the writing "DOT 3 Brake fluid only" or DOT 4 Brake fluid only". Autozone will soon be carrying our DIY version of Brake Strip. Contact your local Autozone store. You can also request a test from your local service facility. Remember this is new, so he may not be up-to-speed yet on this new technology.
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What do I do if my shop tries to sell me a brake flush based on color, moisture ot time/mileage?
Realize that most automotive service facilities are honest and trying to do the right thing for you and your vehicle. In most cases, unnecessary brake fluid replacement recommendations based on color, time/mileage, moisture or boiling point are not intentionally to deceive you. It is more likely they are they are not aware of the new MAP standard or FASCAR technology.
Color - If your shop recommends brake fluid replacement based on color, it is likely that he is just following "tradition". It has been determined by brake fluid manufacturers and experts that you cannot tell brake fluid condition by color. There is no science or standard to justify brake fluid replacement based on color or it "looks dirty". One common tactic is to show a sample of new fluid compared to a sample of your fluid. Again there is no basis or foundation that the "color" means the fluid should be replaced. Please be patient, the shop is not likely trying to intentionally deceive you, they may not be informed on this new technology. The only justifiable reason to suggest replacement based on color is if the standard brake fluid has been replaced the wrong fluid and the fluid is red or purple in color.
Moisture - A recommendation based on moisture also falls into the same category as color. It has been a tradition. If the shop uses a boiling point tester and tells you that your brake fluid has a low boiling point, realize there is no standard for "used" brake fluid boiling point. If you trust your shop, then it may be a good idea to go ahead with the service. If you don't trust them, get a second opinion.
Time/Mileage - If your vehicle has O.E. (BMW, Mercedes...) brake fluid recommended maintenance based on time/mileage, your technician is following the MAP guideline. Many shops still use Brake Strip because it will help clarify service within maintenance parameters.
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I failed a Brake Strip test soon after I had my brake fluid replaced?
Occasionally we hear this statement, "they told me something must be wrong with the strip because they just changed my brake fluid". FASCAR Brake Strips never gives a false reading. It tests for copper so there is no way to "fake" the test.
The answer is very simple. There is still copper in the brake fluid. The problem is the type of brake flush that was performed. If they use vacuum, gravity or pedal flushing, they probably won't be able to properly flush the contamination out of the brake system.
Another indicator is what you paid for the service. Expect to pay between $70 and $125 for proper brake flush service. If you were charged $19-39 for a brake flush, there is no way they can perform a proper service for that much money. They may perform an inexpensive service as part of a promotion or combined with other services. Proper brake flush requires special training, proper equipment (SCAN tool, pressure flush equipment etc.) and using at least 2 quarts of brake fluid.
Don't blame the messenger!
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