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Home » Brakes » Brake Fluid
On track your brakes will work a lot harder than regular driving on the street. The accelerating and braking increases the temperature of your brakes and the brake fluid. Brake fade is when the brake pedal goes soft or the pedal goes to the floor combined with loss in braking performance. On track brake fade can happen after a few laps, this will lead to less driver confidence and in worse case scenarios ending up in a gravel track or wall.
Braking systems on most cars are hydraulically operated. In its most simplistic form, when the driver pushes on the brake pedal, fluid is pushed into the master cylinder, this fluid is then distributed to the brake calipers through the vehicle’s brake lines.
Brake fluid is a hygroscopic liquid, meaning it can absorb water. Over time, brake fluid absorbs water from the atmosphere. In a competitive environment such as a race track, the brake fluid can get hot, this turns any water in the brake lines into gas. Unlike brake fluid, gas can be compressed. This unwanted gas in the brake lines interferes with the fluid delivery into the brake calipers, causing the brake fade “soft pedal” that is experienced on track.
We asked a number of garages, and they recommended changing brake fluid once every two years regardless of usage. We would recommend consulting with your vehicle manual, manufacturer, or car enthusiast community for recommendations.
DOT = Department of Transport; the numbers correspond to standards set by the DOT. The most common grades of brake fluid are DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT/ 5.1. These types of brake fluids are all glycol-based.
Dry Boiling Point refers to uncontaminated brake fluid which is freshly changed. Wet Boiling Point refers to contaminated brake fluid which has absorbed moisture.
There are a variety of different brake fluids depending on your application. On our track-oriented Nissan Skyline R33 GTR with over 800 brake horsepower, we use A P Racing Radi-Cal R4. This greatly reduced brake fade on tight technical tracks.
It is generally recommended to change brake fluid every 2 years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, this can vary based on the vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines and driving conditions.
Brake bleeders are essential components in a vehicle's braking system. Their primary function is to remove air bubbles from the brake lines, ensuring that the brake fluid can flow freely and effectively. This process is crucial for maintaining optimal braking performance. Key functions of brake bleeders include:
A bigger brake master cylinder increases the volume of brake fluid that can be pushed through the braking system. This can lead to several benefits:
The brake master cylinder is a crucial component of a vehicle's braking system. Its primary functions include:
The best materials for brake lines are:
A brake duct is a component used in vehicles to enhance the cooling of the brake system. It directs airflow towards the brake components, helping to dissipate heat generated during braking. Key functions of brake ducts include:
Yes, an anti-roll bar can affect steering. It plays a crucial role in maintaining vehicle stability during cornering, which indirectly influences steering response. Effects of an anti-roll bar on steering include:
An anti-roll bar, also known as a sway bar, is not strictly necessary for a vehicle to operate, but it plays a significant role in enhancing handling and stability. Benefits of an anti-roll bar include:
Anti-roll bars, also known as sway bars, play a crucial role in a vehicle's handling by reducing body roll during cornering. They connect the left and right sides of the suspension, helping to distribute weight more evenly across the vehicle. Effects on Handling:
An anti-roll bar, also known as a sway bar, is not strictly necessary for a vehicle to function, but it plays a significant role in enhancing handling and stability. Benefits of an anti-roll bar include: