Can you use power steering fluid for brake fluid?
Imagine you’re driving down the highway when suddenly, your brakes fail. You frantically try to stop, but your car keeps going. What happened? It could be that you accidentally used power steering fluid instead of brake fluid. These two fluids are similar in color, but they serve very different purposes. Power steering fluid helps to lubricate the power steering system, while brake fluid helps to transmit hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder to the brake calipers. If you use power steering fluid in your brake system, it can damage the brake components and cause your brakes to fail.
Why can’t you use power steering fluid for brake fluid?
As mentioned above, power steering fluid and brake fluid serve different purposes. Power steering fluid is designed to lubricate the power steering system, while brake fluid is designed to transmit hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder to the brake calipers. Brake fluid is also designed to withstand the high temperatures generated by braking. If you use power steering fluid in your brake system, it can damage the brake components and cause your brakes to fail.
Here are some of the specific reasons why you should not use power steering fluid for brake fluid:
- Power steering fluid is not as viscous as brake fluid. This means that it will not transmit hydraulic pressure as effectively, which can lead to brake fade.
- Power steering fluid is not as resistant to heat as brake fluid. This means that it can break down under the high temperatures generated by braking, which can lead to brake failure.
- Power steering fluid can damage the seals in the brake system. This can lead to leaks, which can also lead to brake failure.
What should you do if you accidentally used power steering fluid for brake fluid?
If you accidentally used power steering fluid for brake fluid, you should flush the brake system as soon as possible. To flush the brake system, you will need to:
- Disconnect the brake lines from the master cylinder.
- Open the bleeder screws on the brake calipers.
- Pump the brake pedal until all of the old brake fluid has been flushed out.
- Close the bleeder screws.
- Connect the brake lines to the master cylinder.
- Fill the master cylinder with new brake fluid.
- Pump the brake pedal until the new brake fluid has been flushed through the system.
Once you have flushed the brake system, you should test your brakes to make sure that they are working properly. If your brakes are still not working properly, you should take your car to a mechanic for further diagnosis.
Conclusion
Power steering fluid and brake fluid are two different fluids that serve different purposes. You should never use power steering fluid for brake fluid, as it can damage the brake system and cause your brakes to fail. If you accidentally use power steering fluid for brake fluid, you should flush the brake system as soon as possible.
