Evaluation of Quality of Brake Fluids Available in Indian Market

Abstract

Brake fluid is a specialty fluid capable of transmitting hydraulic pressure from brake pedal through hydraulic lines to braking mechanism on wheels to slow or stop the vehicle. For this, it must be incompressible, possessing characteristics as per specified quality standards. To avoid formation of gas phase due to absorbed moisture, wet Equilibrium Reflux Boiling Point (ERBP) should be high enough. The present study pertains to the evaluation of quality of various types and grades of brake fluids in the Indian market. The aim is to have primary data about the quality of brake fluids available and what the industry requires for modern vehicles. This study has following conclusions: i) brake fluids sold in the market are as per the Indian standards, ii) DOT 2 are not much in use; type I (DOT3) has major market share. While the brake fluids of Type I have market share of ~75 %, type II has steadily been replacing them by occupying ~ 20% market share and iii) Share of brake fluids of type III, is even though low i.e., ~ < 3%, the trend shows a shift from brake fluid of low wet ERBP to that of higher wet ERBP. In modern cars, type II brake fluid will replace type I. In future, it will largely be of type II. Modern vehicles with advanced braking systems would require a superior quality fluid of type III. Thus, the auto industry would use brake fluids of type II and type III. Availability of type III brake fluids is the gap area and hence, there is a need to design cost-effective type III brake fluid.