Braking power is the result of several complex mechanical actions that occur after you step on the pedal. Brake fluid is central to these actions. Just what is it, and how does it work? Our Hendrick MINI service techs pulled together the following simple explanation. See for yourself.
What Does Brake Fluid Contain?
Brake fluid is most commonly made with silicone or glycol-ether. There are also mineral oil-based fluids, but the former types are more widely used. Incompressible, brake fluid transforms into a solid force when pressurized. It then translates force into pressure, enhancing braking force. Here's how.
Brake Fluid Magic 101
Wheels slow and stop when brake pads rub against a spinning rotor. This happens because pressurized brake fluid, flowing through brake lines, comes into contact with drum brake wheel cylinders (calipers). What drives the brake fluid through brake lines? It's the indirect result of your foot's force on the brake pedal. A vacuum booster behind the pedal increases the force you put on the pedal, activating a master cylinder that propels pressurized brake fluid in the brake lines.
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