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Brake fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid used in hydraulic brake applications in motorcycles, automobiles, light trucks, and some advanced bicycles. It is used to transfer force under pressure from where it is created through hydraulic lines to the braking mechanism near the wheels. It works because liquids are not appreciably compressible - in their natural state the component molecules do not have internal voids and the molecules pack together well, so bulk forces are directly transferred to trying to compress the fluid's chemical bonds.

Brake fluid is also commonly used in hydraulic clutches.

Most brake fluids used today are glycol-ether based, but mineral oil (Citroën liquide hydraulique minéral LHM) and silicone (DOT 5) based fluids are also available. Brake fluids must meet certain requirements as defined by various standards set by organizations such as the SAE, or local government equivalents. For example, most brake fluid sold in North America is classified by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) under their own ratings such as "DOT 3" and "DOT 4". Their classifications broadly reflect the concerns addressed by the SAE's specifications, but with local details - Alaska and the Azores have different normal temperature and humidity ranges to consider, for example. Many countries defer explicitly to the SAE specifications, or simply refer to "best practice" which in practice would defer to the SAE.

Glycol-based (DOT 3, 4, 5.1)

  • Alkyl ester
  • Aliphatic amine
  • Diethylene glycol
  • Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether
  • Diethylene glycol monomethyl ether
  • Dimethyl dipropylene glycol
  • Polyethylene glycol monobutyl ether
  • Polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether
  • Polyethylene oxide
  • Triethylene glycol monobutyl ether
  • Triethylene glycol monoethyl ether
  • Triethylene glycol monomethyl ether
Silicone-based (DOT 5)
  • Di-2-ethylhexyl sebacate
  • Dimethyl polysiloxane
  • Tributyl phosphate
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Where do you put clutch fluid in a 1995 ford escort?

It uses brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir. The clutch fluid (brake fluid) is fed by the brake fluid reservoir. The clutch fluid reservoir is just beneath the brake fluid reservoir. So, add fluid to the brake fluid reservoir to fill the clutch fluid, also.


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It is important to maintain the brake fluid levels in a car. The brake fluid type for a 2002 Grand AM is DOT 3 brake fluid.


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Locate the brake fluid reservoir, and pour brake fluid in until it's at the appropriate level.


Where do you add Brake Fluid?

Good question. At the brake fluid resovoir


What kind of brake fluid is used in a 1995 Toyota Corolla?

When refilling brake fluid it is important to use the correct type of fluid for the car. For a 1995 Toyota Corolla the correct fluid is brake fluid dot 3 or brake fluid dot 4.


What type of brake fluid is used 2007 impala?

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