The Effect of Reuse Brake Fluid on Vehicular Brake Performance

Purpose: The reused of brake fluid has become a common phenomenon among some vehicular users in Ghana. Wear materials such as Copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) increases as brake fluid ages which leads to corrosion of the parts of the braking system. Meanwhile, less attention is paid to the outcome of reused brake fluid in the vehicular braking system. The study investigates the properties of brake fluid after usage. Design/Methodology/Approach: Samples of unused and used brake fluid (three, six, and twelve months old) were tested in the laboratory for viscosity, wear materials, contaminants, and additives. Findings: The test results showed instability in viscosity at 40 \(^\circ{\rm C}\) across the used brake fluid which negatively affects brake performance. Cu and Fe were found to increase in the six and twelve months used fluid samples (113.52–121.45 and 63.52–102.90 respectively). Also, a decline was registered in the additives (boron) as the brake fluid ages. Practical Implications: The study concludes that brake fluid loses some qualities that improve brake performance within 12 months of usage. Social Implication: The change of viscosity can have deadly consequences on operation of modern brake systems. Avoiding of use of used brake fluid will help reduced the vehicular crashes which lead to loss of lives and properties as result of brake failure. Originality and value: The study investigates the properties of brake fluid after usage and that will help the vehicular users to make right decision on the use of used brake fluid.