Brake fluid is “brake fluid,” not “brake oil”!
Then why does the term “brake oil” exist?
Why is it called a “hydraulic (oil-pressure) brake” when it is not oil?
This time, we will explain the reasons behind it.
What is brake fluid?
Brake fluid is, simply put, a type of alcohol.
Its main component is “polyethylene glycol monoether” (glycol ether for short).
Why is it called brake oil?
Because the original brake fluid was vegetable oil and looked oily, it was called “brake oil,” and the term “hydraulic (oil pressure)” was used.
The era spanned a few decades starting from the 1920s.
Specifically, castor oil was used.
By the 1940s, a complete transition to glycol-based fluid had occurred.
By the way, there are other brake fluids besides vegetable oil and glycol.
Harley-Davidson used silicone-based brake fluid, but they switched to glycol in 2005.
Citroën and MTBs used brake fluid made from mineral oil.
However, since Citroën has also switched to glycol, MTBs are the only ones using brake oil in the modern era.
Points to consider when choosing brake parts!
Because brake fluid is not oil, brake parts do not require oil resistance.
What is required is chemical resistance (brake fluid resistance).
You might think, “Be careful when buying brake parts!”… but reservoir tanks and hoses sold by parts manufacturers are naturally made of materials that are resistant to brake fluid.
So there is no need to worry.
The danger is mistakenly buying an oil-resistant one at a home improvement center just because it is “cheap.”
Brakes are “critical safety parts.”
Let’s buy reliable parts from trusted stores.
